PUBLISHED BY J. P. AYRES. 



J. Maxwell, Printer. 

1825. 



Mi*)S 



OF THE 



MARQUIS DE LA^FAYETTXS; 

MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA, 

IN THE 

"WAR OP THE REVOliWTIOH. 



Natura lo fece, et poi ruppa la stampa.— .Sriosto. 



By ROBERT WALN, Jr. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED BY J. P. AYRES. 



J. Maxwell, Printer. 

: 1825, 






EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, to mV. 

BE IT Remembered, that on the seventeenth day of June, in the 
forty-ninth year of the independence of the United States of Ame- 
rica, A. D. 1825, John P. Atkes of the said district, hath deposited in 
this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprie- 
tor, in the words following, to wit: 

Life of the Marquis J)e La Fayette; Major- General in tlie Service of the United 
Slates of America, in the War of the Revolution. 

Natura lo fece, et poi ruppa la stampa. — Ariosto. 
By Robert tValn, Jr. 

In conformity to the act of the congress of the United States, intitu- 
led " An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the co- 
pies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such 
copies, during the times therein mentioned." — And also to the act, en- 
titled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, " An act for the 
encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and 
books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times 
therein mentioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of 
designing, engraving, and etchin^historical and other prints." 

D, CALDWELL, 
Clerk of the Easteyn Dlsirici of Pennsylvania, 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



In submitting the following delineation of the pub- 
lic and private character and services of general La 
Fayette, to the tribunal of the public, the author 
claims more merit for an indefatigable pursuit after, 
and collection of, fair, impartial, and authentic, infor- 
mation, than for originality. He has not even scrupled 
to employ the very words of his authorities, when 
they appeared to him not to require amendment. But 
in these cases, as well as in the general and consoli- 
dated derivation of knowledge, he has carefully re- 
ferred to the sources from which it has been obtained, 
— By thus condensing, arranging, and selecting, from 
a great mass of materials — by rejecting every thing 
doubtful, and admitting only that which was certain— 
by closely comparing the varied authorities on the 
same points — and by preferring, in the frequent ca- 
ses of discrepance, those which appeared, from gene- 
ral fjonsiderations, most worthy of credit, — he trusts 
that few errors of importance will be found in the 
foUowiig pages, and that they will afford a candid 
and corect history of the life of La Fayette. 



IV ADVERTISEMENT. 

The author has preferred insisting on the great and 
important political and military events, in which the 
statesman and the hero participated, rather than on 
the monotonous minutiae of prison-hours, and the 
shearing of sheep. However grateful were the tones 
of Felix's flute in the dungeons of Olmutz, they might 
now grate harshly on the ear, and few of our readers 
would join heartily and with spirit, in the gambols 
and intelligence of Mustapha, the young poodle. 

Whatever decree may be pronounced upon his 
labours, the author will still enjoy the satisfaction, 
which his judges cannot take away, of having been 
indefatigable in tracing to their source, in cleansing 
from their impurities, and in establishing on indispu- 
table bases, all the facts on which is founded the pre- 
sent biography of one of the most illustrious men of 
the age. 

Wain- Grove, June, 1825. 



LIFE 



OF THE 



Marie-Paul- Joseph, Roch-Yves^Gilbert, 
MoTiER, Marquis de La Fayette, was bom 
on the sixth of September, 17^7, in the provmce 
of Auvergne, now comprising the two depart- 
ments of Cantal and Puy-de-Dome, and a part of 
La Haute Loire. His birth place was the Chateau 
de Chavagnac, situated about six miles from the 
ancient town of Brionde. The province of Au- 
vergne is celebrated for the valour and indepen- 
dence of its inhabitants, from the earliest times. 
His ancestors ranked among the first people of 
the province, and had ever been conspicuous for 
their independent spirit, and chivalric contempt 
of danger. The Marechal de La Fayette, once 
the terror of the British, is distinguished in the 
annals of France; and his relation, Madame de 
La Fayette, was a lady of extensive literary cele- 
brity. Inheriting the spirit of his fathers, he be- 



10 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

came tlie early advocate of political freedom, and 
imbibed the most ardent attachment to the prin- 
ciples of rational liberty. 

Between the age of seven and eight years, he 
was placed at the college of Louis-le-Grand, at 
Paris, where he received an excellent education. 
In the year 1773, at the age of fifteen, he was 
enrolled among the Mousqiietaires, a corps insti- 
tuted for the protection of the royal person, and 
composed of young men of the most illustrious 
extraction. Previous to this time, he was made 
one of the pages of the Queen of France. The 
mildness and affability of his manners, soon at- 
tracted the universal esteem of his new comrades; 
and the immediate influence of royalty, in a short 
time elevated him to the rank of a commissioned 
officer, a favour exclusively reserved for the most 
illustrious scions of nobility. 

The Mousqiietaires dii Roi had for a long time 
been a costly establishment; and although such 
a noble guard was highly flattering to the dignity 
of the sovereign, yet the expense attending it 
was severely felt, and frequently regretted. The 
suppression of it had been repeatedly agitated; 
but no minister had yet been found sufficiently 
hardy to venture on a reform which menaced him 
with the resentment of the most noble families 
of France. This instance of political fortitude 
was reserved for the Count de St. Germain, who 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. H 

enforced to Louis XVI the considerable savings 
tiiat miglit be applied to the effective marching 
battalions, from the reduction of a corps which 
was the offspring of pageantry. An edict was 
accordingly published, in the year 1775, for the 
suppression of the Mousquetaires. Those brave 
men, whose courage had always been celebrated, 
received the news of their dismission with the 
deepest marks of sorrow and despair. Attached 
to each other by similarity of habits, and cement- 
ed in friendship by common dangers and services, 
they regarded the order which decreed their 
separation with feelings of real and undisguised 
grief M. de la Chaise, a veteran officer of tried 
resolution, and one of their commanders, fainted 
on receiving the fatal mandate; and the whole 
corps vented their sorrow in the loudest, and 
most poignant exclamations. But the king and 
his ministers were inexorable; — and, it is said, 
that the capital was not sorry to be delivered from 
a corps, whose impetuous ansi aristocratic spirit 
too frequently insulted the more humble class of 
citizens.* 

In the year 1774, he married Anastasie, a 
daughter cf the illustrious house of NoaUles, 
celebrated for her virtues, courage, and conjugal 
affection. The history of female virtue and fe- 
male heroism presents nothing more rare in ex- 

* Gifford's Hist. France, 4to, vol. iii, p. 465, 466. 



12 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

celleiice, than the life and character of Madame 
La Fayette. It will be found in the sequel, that 
she was worthy of the hero to whom she was 
united. "Such characters," said Charles Fox, 
speaking of this admirable pair, " should flourish 
in the annals of the world, and live to posterity, 
when kings, and the crowns they wear, must have 
mouldered in the dust." 

His union with the young countess de Noailles 
increased the annual revenue of the Marquis de 
La Fayette, to two hundred thousand francs. At 
this time, a general peace in Europe inflicted a 
painful restraint on his enthusiasm for military 
fame, and condemned him to a state of inactivity, 
which little accorded with his ardent and enter- 
prising disposition. The enjoyments of affluence, 
and the luxuries of the court, were unable to sub- 
due the spirit of his sires which animated his bo- 
som. The same spirit which guided his gallant 
father to a soldier's death on tJie disastrous plains 
of Mioden,* glowed with equal purity and vigour 
in the breast of his noble descendant.— He ap- 
peared at the French court, to wliich his rank 
had called him, while yet a boy. Too young to 
be insensible to its pleasures, but too noble to be 

* The father of general La Fayette was killed at the battle of 
Minden. It is a curious fact, that his death was occasioned by a 
shot from a battery commanded by the same general Philips, to 
whom his son was opposed in Virginia, in the year 1781. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 13 

tainted by its corruptions, he obstinately refused 
a place, voluntarily offered to him, as the step- 
ping-stone to such honours as courtiers eagerly 
solicit.* He had, already, at the age of sixteen, 
felt and acknowledged, another vocation. The 
star of political liJjerty was, at that period, observ- 
ed rising brightly in the west, and La Fayette was 
among the first who went forth from a distant 
land to worship it. 

At this period of his life, the Marquis de La 
Fayette was a noble looking man, notwithstanding 
his deep red hair. His forehead, though reced- 
ing, was fine, his eye clear hazel, and his moutli 
and chin delicately formed, exhibiting beauty 
rather than strength. The expression of his coun- 
tenance was strongly indicative of a generous 
and gallant spirit, mingled with something of the 
pride of conscious manliness. His mien was 
noble, — his manners, frank and amiable, — his 
movements, light and graceful. 

Formed, both by nature and education, to be 
the ornament of a court, and already distinguish- 
ed by his pohshed manners and attractive quali- 
ties, in the circle of his noble acquaintance, his 
free principles were neither withered by the sun- 
shine of royalty, nor weakened by flattery and 
temptation. 

*La(ly Morgan's France, p. 316. 



14 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Among the various nations of Europe, all more 
or less favourable to the American cause, and de- 
testing the tyranny of England, none signalized 
themselves more than the French. The desire 
of vengeance, the hope of retrieving its losses, 
the remembrance of ancient splendour, the an- 
guish of recent wounds, all stimulated the French 
government to side with the colonists, in their 
struggles against oppression. The interest which 
France took in the contest, plainly indicated, at 
its commencement, that the projects then in agi- 
tation in her councils, would not long be conceal- 
ed. Exclusive of the national and hereditary 
inveteracy of the people towards the EngMsh, 
they beheved them to be acting an unjustifiable 
part towards the Americans. Hence they con- 
sidered themselves doubly authorised to assist the 
latter; and were prompted by motives of justice, 
as well as of policy. In fact, the government 
only awaited the maturity of events, and a propi- 
tious occasion, openly to espouse our cause. — ■ 
The nation was acquainted with the disposition 
of the ministry; and as no people are more sus- 
ceptible of impressions from those in power, than 
the French, the cause of America found among 
them the most ardent and ingenious advocates. 
The operation of many other causes concurred 
to the same effect. Although the people of France 
had been accustomed to live under a very abso- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 15 

lute system of government, tliey have uniformly 
testified a particular esteem for such men, and 
for such nations, as have valiantly defended their 
liberty against the usurpations of tyranny. When 
they are not led astray, and, as it were, transport- 
ed by their exorbitant imagination, their character 
is naturally benevolent and gentle: they are al- 
ways disposed to succour the oppressed, especi- 
ally when they support their ill fortune with con- 
stancy, and endeavour to surmount it, with cour- 
age. There is a national tendency in favour of 
great and glorious enterprises. Such was the 
cause of America; and such were the general 
sentiments of the French towards them. 

At this period, moreover, those writers who, 
in all countries, but particularly in France, had 
treated on political subjects, had manifested them- 
selves the advocates of a liberal mode of govern- 
mentj and thus, the opinions prevalent at that 
time, were extremely propitious to civil liberty. 
Nothing can more evidently prove the spirit of 
that epoch, than the eager request for those writ- 
ings, and the still more rapid dissemination of the 
principles they contained, when the news of the 
commotions which agitated America, arrived. 
In all social circles, as well as in numerous pub- 
lications which daily appeared in France, the 
Americans were the objects of boundless eulo- 
giums; their cause was defended by the most for- 



IQ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

cible arguments, and justified by a multitude of 
illustrious examples. If, indeed, at the period 
wben France, after the cession made by the re- 
public of Geneva, had undertaken the conquest 
of Corsica, many were found among the French, 
who professed themselves the apologists of those 
islanders, and ventured openly to condemn the 
determination of their own government to sub- 
due them, — it may well be imagined that the 
partisans of America were much more numerous, 
and demonstrated an enthusiasm still more ar- 
dent. It would be difficult to describe the exces- 
sive joy, — the vast hopes, that were excited by 
the convocation of the first ximerican congress. 
The names of the deputies were extolled to the 
skies: "let them hasten," it was every where 
said, "to shake off the yoke of English despo- 
tism, to sever the bonds of servitude: let them 
establish civil liberty in their country; and let 
them serve as a perpetual example, that princes 
cannot, without peril, violate the fundamental 
laws of their states, or attack with impunity, the 
privileges and immunities of their subjects."* 

While Louis XVf, who had not long- before 
mounted the throne, was not indifferent to the 
internal regulation of his own kingdom, he con- 
stantly directed his attention towards America, 

* Botta's War of Independence, vol. i, p. 9.04. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 17 

and watched with anxiety, the commencement 
and conduct of a contest which homely became 
more important, and in the event of which, the 
humanity and interests of European powers were 
deeply concerned. Each day seemed to estab- 
lish more firmly the jurisdiction of the states; 
their privateers overspread the seas; and Louis, 
while lie professed to the court of London, a strict 
neutrahty, afforded to our vessels a secure refuge 
in his harbours, where the prize goods were bar- 
tered for the arms and ammunition so necessary 
for the support of our cause. — -The exultation of 
the French people had been openly and constant- 
ly proportioned to the success of the Americans. 
The princes of the blood and the chief nobility 
were eager to embark in the cause of freedom; 
and the prudence of the king and his most con- 
fidential ministers, alone restrained their ardour. 
The fatal events of the last war were still im- 
pressed on the mind of Louis XVI; and he could 
not readily consent to expose his infant marine 
in a contest Vv^ith a people who had so frequently 
asserted the dominion of the seas, and so lately 
broken the united strength of the house of Bour- 
bon. Yet he w^as sensible that the opportunity 
of humbMng Great Britain ought not to be entirely 
neglected, and that some advantages should be 
taken of the existing commotions in America. 
Although all audience, in a public capacity, was 



i§ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

denied to Silas Deane and doctor Benjamin Frank- 
lin, who had successively arrived at Paris as 
agents of the United States, still they were pri- 
vately encouraged to hope that France only 
awaited the proper opportunity to vindicate in 
arms the freedom and independence of America. 
In the mean time, the military preparations in 
France were diligently continued; the American 
cruisers were hospitably received into her ports; 
artillery and all kinds of warlike stores, were 
freely sold, or liberally granted, to relieve the 
wants of the colonists; and French officers and 
engineers, with the connivance of the govern- 
ment, entered into their service.* 

The king was not ignorant that the remonstran- 
ces of Great Britain, and the importunities of the 
agents of the United States, would soon compel 
Mm to adopt some decisive line of conduct. He 
had been closely questioned by the English em- 
bassador, lord Stormont, respecting the warlike 
preparations which were diligently continued 
throughout the kingdom, and rephed, " that, at a 
time when the seas were covered with English 
fleets and American cruisers, and when such ar- 
mies were sent to the new world as had never 
before appeared there, it became prudent for him 
also to arm for the security of the colonies, and 

* GiiFord's Hist France, 4to, vol, iii, p. 469. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 19 

the protection of the commerce of France." 
On the other hand, he was assailed by the en- 
treaties, remonstrances, and address, of doctor 
Franklin, whose exertions for obtaining the pow- 
erful aid of the French government, were only 
equalled by his abilities in the prosecution of his 
duty. 

In judging of the past from our knowledge of 
the events that have ensued, says Madame de 
Stael, most people will be of opinion, that Louis 
XVI did wrong in interfering between England 
and America. Although the independence of the 
United States was desired by all liberal minds, 
the principles of the French monarchy did not 
permit the encouragement of what, according to 
these principles, must be pronounced a revolt. 
Besides, France, at that time, had no cause of 
complaint against England; and to enter on a war 
wholly on the ground of the habitual rivalship 
between the two countries, was bad policy in 
itself, and more detrimental to France than to 
England; for France, possessing greater natural 
resources, but being inferior in naval power, was 
certain of acquiring additional strength in peace, 
and as certain of being weakened by a maritime 
war. M. Necker laid before the king the strong- 
est motives for the continuance of peace, and he 
who has been charged with republican sentiments, 
declared himself hostile to a war, the objeat of 



20 -l^I^E OF LA FAYETTE. 

which was the independence of a people. He, 
certainly, wished every success to the noble cause 
of the colonists; but he felt, on the one hand, 
that war ought never to be declared without posi- 
tive necessity, and, on the other, that no possible 
concurrence of political results could counter- 
balance, to France, the loss she would sustain of 
the advantages she might derive from her capital 
wasted in the contest.* 

Happily for America, and happily for the com- 
mon cause of free and enlightened principles, the 
majority of the French people were not disposed 
to consider as a waste of capital, those means 
which were employed in the defence of rational 
liberty, the humbling of a haughty nation, and the 
^chastisement of a hereditary foe. The arguments 
of M. Necker, proved unavailing; and the king 
decided for war. The motives for this measure 
were undoubtedly strong, and the government 
was exposed to great difficulties in either alter- 
native. The time was approaching when the 
words of Hume, in relation to Charles I, might 
have been applied to Louis XVI: " He found him- 
self in a situation where faults were irreparable; 
a condition too rigorous to be imposed on weak 
human nature." Whether it be admitted or not, 
and it can hardly be denied, that the success of 

■■ De Stae! Consid. French Revolut. vol. i, ch. vii, p. 88. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. gl 

the American revolution tended to the dreadful 
convulsions which overturned the throne of 
France, and filled the land with wailing and la- 
mentations; it is certain that the French nation 
derived no advantage, and suffered serious injury, 
from their participation in the contest. 

It was not, however, until the capture of Bur- 
goyne, in October, 1777, that the French govern- 
ment formally threw aside the veil which had but 
slightly covered their opinions and proceedings 
in favour of America. The success of the colo- 
nists on that occasion, was received at Paris with 
unbounded exultation. M. Sartine, who presided 
over the marine department, was impatient to 
measure the naval strength of France with that 
of Great Britain; and universal enthusiasm reigned 
throughout all classes of society. The queen, 
who had long favoured the applications of the 
agents of the United States, now espoused the 
cause with less reserve, and with increased ar- 
dour. The phlegmatic temper and pacific dispo- 
sition of the king were overborne by the reiterat- 
ed zeal, imperceptible but weighty, of the nume- 
rous body of philosophers which pervaded every 
rank of life, — by the suggestions of his ministers, 
— and by the influence of his royal consort; and 
it was at length determined openly to acknow- 
ledge the independence of the United States of 
America. 



02 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

The situation of Europe, at this juncture, was 
particularly favourable to the determination of 
the king of France. Differences between the 
court of Petersburg and the Ottoman Porte, re- 
specting the Crimea, threatened a revival of the 
hostilities which had been so lately adjusted^ 
and thus, even if the empress were v^illing, pre- 
cluded her from affording assistance to Great 
Britain. The flames of war had been rekindled 
between the houses of iustria and Brandenburg: 
Spain, by the family compact, was bound to ac- 
cede to the designs, and to strengthen the arms 
of France: Portugal, by her late treaty with Spain, 
had formed an intimate union with the house of 
Bourbon; while Holland, pursuing those pacific 
maxims which the policy of commerce dictates, 
avoided every overture which appeared likely to 
involve her in the war, wliich now extended to 
the principal powers of Europe, and transferred 
to her peaceful ports, all the advantages of trade 
and neutrality. Louis XVI, thus satisfied that he 
had nothing to apprehend from the principal pow- 
ers of Europe, devoted his whole attention to the 
approaching contest with the ancient rival of his 
kingdom. His councils had been long suspended 
on the manner of procedure proper to be adopt- 
ed with regard to America. The constant decla- 
rations of the British ministry appeared to be 
corroborated by the numbers of the colonists 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 23 

that joined the royal army; — a much more nu- 
merous body was known to have adopted a pas- 
sive but suspicious neutrality; — and the progres- 
sive steps by which they had arrived to a com- 
plete declaration of independence, accompanied 
in every stage by liberal offers of accommoda- 
tion from the colonists, and the most confident 
rejectionof every measure short of absolute sub- 
mission, tended to enforce an opinion in the ca- 
binet of Versailles, that the great body of the 
Americans were not earnestly disposed to an ir- 
revocable separation from Great Britain. But the 
contest daily assumed a more serious and effec- 
tive form, and the private activity united with the 
address and sagacity of doctor Franklin, removed 
every impression which retarded the decisive and 
effectual measures of France. Doctor Franklin 
and Silas Deane, who had hitherto acted only as 
private agents, were now publicly acknowledged 
as embassadors from the United States to the 
court of France; and, in the month of February, 
177^, a treaty of amity and commerce was sign- 
ed between the two powers. This treaty, and 
the formal acknowledgement, by France, of the 
independence of the United States of America, 
was communicated to the ministers of Great 
Britain, in the month of March, by the duke de 
Koailles, embassador to the court of London; 
and the recall of lord Stormont from Versailles 



24 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

was tlie signal for the commencement of hostili- 
ties.* 

But the spirit which prevailed throughout all 
ranks and denominations in France, in favour of 
the Americans, could not be confined or regulated, 
by the slow and cautious rules of policy. It burst 
forth long previous to the formal acknowledge- 
ment of our rights by that government, and was 
chiefly manifested by rejoicings at the success, 
and sorrow for the failure, of our arms. It was 
among the military classes that this ardour was 
eminently conspicuous. The Irish brigade, so 
famous for the services which it had rendered to 
France, especially in its wars with Great Britain, 
furnished a number of brave officers to America. 
Nor were the other French regiments deficient 
in this spirit of general adventure in the cause of 
the colonies against the parent state. Numbers 
of the young nobility of France were eager to 
signalize themselves in the noble cause of liberty 
against oppression. Among others, Roche du 
Fermoy was in the army that acted against Bur- 
goyne: Baron St. Ovary was a volunteer in the 
service: l)e Coudray, an officer of rank in the 
French army, was drowned, in the Schuylkill, a 
few days after the battle of Brandywine, in his 
eagerness to cross it in order to join the army 

* Giftbrd's liist. Fnmce, vol. iii, p. 474. 



1^^ 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTF. 25 

of Washington, which was reported to be on the 
point of engaging: the ChevaHer Duplessis Maii- 
duit displayed the greatest bravery at German- 
town and Red Bank, and was assassinated at Port- 
au-Prince: tiie heroic gallantry of heutenant 
Fleury at Stony Point, can never be forgotten: 
De Buysson was not less brave: baron De Kalb 
possessed a pure and disinterested patriotism, 
which led him to danger and a glorious death. 
Other parts of Europe also supplied our armies 
with brave and experienced officers, through 
whose assistance they daily improved in disci- 
pline and military skill. Germany, in particular, 
a country that, from the perpetual quarrels 
amongst its own sovereigns, and the many wars 
of which it had in latter times been the unhappy 
scene, abounded in military men, more than any 
other part of Europe, contributed her share of 
heroes for the defence of America. 

It is a tribute of justice due to our French al- 
lies, to observe, that, during the course of the 
revolution, they generally endeavoured to har- 
monize with our citizens, relinquishing, on most 
occasions, their own modes and prejudices, to 
conform themselves to the manners and customs 
of America, The extent to which their dewe to 
please and conciliate was carried, is exemplified 
in the following anecdote: general M'Intosh was 
presiding at a court-martial, and being desirous 



^ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of administering an oath to a French officer, in- 
quired " of what religion he was?" he answered 
quickly, " the American, sir;"— thinking, undoubt- 
edly, that it was a duty to conform, as much as 
possible, to the religious opinion of the people 
in whose cause he had drawn his sword. And 
this appears the more probable, because, time 
being allowed for reflection, and the question 
varied by substituting " zvhat faith,'' instead of 
what religion, he exclaimed, " c'est Hen une autre 
affaire: Roman Catholique Apostolique, nion gem- 
rfl/."*— -It is almost needless to touch upon their 
bravery: they were Frenchmen, and enthusiasti- 
cally attached to the opinions imbibed in favour 
of liberty and republicanism. Their intrepidity 
was exemplary, and gave them daily new claims 
to the admiration and gratitude of the people, 
whose rights and properties they had pledged 
themselves to defend. Some, however, acted 
from more ignoble motives. 

But among these, none were so conspicuous, 
for the splendour of rank, the fascination of his 
personal qualities, and the purity of his political 
principles, as the marquis De La Fayette. Born 
under a despotic regime, he saw nothing in his 
own country to employ a young and enthusiastic 
mind. North America, — sorely oppressed— -de- 

* Garden's Anecd. p. 206. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. £7 

manding justice in vain, — -her complaints reject- 
ed, — her petitions unheeded,— her murmurs dis- 
regarded,— attracted his attention. She was 
beginning to feel the sacred impulse of liberty; 
she was stretching and unfolding her half-fledged 
wings,— -doubting her powers, dreading her ad- 
versary, and wavering between submission and 
despair. She was in the infancy of her strength, 
when La Fayette, animated with the glorious 
cause, left all the luxuries and indulgences of 
home, to cross the Atlantic, and offer himself to 
the Americans as a champion and a friend. Ani- 
mated by the enthusiasm which generous minds 
are accustomed to feel for great enterprises, he 
espoused their cause with a partiality common to 
almost all the men of that time, and particularly 
to the French. He considered it not only just, 
but exalted and sacred: the affection he bore it, 
was the more ardent, as, independently of the 
candour of his character, he was of that age in 
which good appears not only good, but fair, and 
man not only loves, but is enamoured.* When 
the destinies of America were tottering on the 
brink of destruction; when a triumphant enemy 
was overwhelming the Jersies with deeds of de- 
solation; when even the firmness of Washington 
was shaken; — the young and gallant La Fayette 

* Trotter's Life Fox, p. 186. — Botta's War Indepenci, book viii. 



og LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

resolved to " cast Ms bread upon the waters,*' 
and mingle in a conflict which appeared almost 
desperate in the eyes of united Europe. He 
espoused the cause of this country, when it had 
not a single acting advocate beyond the waters of 
the Atlantic. At that period, the representation 
in France relative to the state of American affairs, 
were most deplorable, and suflicient to repress 
the most determined zeal. The army of Wash- 
ington was represented as a mere rabble, flying 
before thirty thousand British regulars. Nor was 
this far from the reality. The route and carnage 
at Brooklyn, and the consequent evacuation of 
Long Island, — had given, indeed, a gloomy aspect 
to the affairs of America. The continental troops 
had heretofore manifested a great degree of in- 
trepidity, from a confidence arising from the per- 
suasion of their superiority over the enemy. The 
goodness of their cause, their early and habitual 
use of fire-arms, had been carefully inculcated; 
and nourished by all their preceding experience. 
But when, by a course of evolutions, in which 
they imagined they perceived a great superiority 
of military skill, they found themselves encircled 
with unexpected dangers, from which no exer- 
tion could extricate them, their confidence in 
themselves and their leaders was greatly dimin- 
ished, and the approach of the enemy inspired 
them with the apprehension that some stratagem 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 29 

was concealed, from which immediate flight could 
alone preserve them.* The subsequent negocia- 
tions, however fruitless, with lord Howe, had also 
an evil effect in France, by demonstrating the 
desire of reconcihation Still subsisting in the colo- 
nies. The evacuation and capture of New York 
greatly dispirited the American troops, and almost 
drove them to despair. The militia were impa- 
tient to return home, and almost totally disobe- 
dient to orders, deserting by half, and even whole, 
regiments. The battle of White-plains, — the sur- 
render of Fort Washing-ton, — the evacuation of 
Fort Lee,— the gradual dissolution of the Ameri- 
can army— the ineffectual attempts to raise the 
militia— the indisposition of the inhabitants to 
further resistance, — the retreat of general Wash- 
ington through New Jersey at the head of less 
than three tliousand men, one thousand of whom 
were militia, badly armed and clad, and almost 
without tents, blankets, or utensils for dressing 
their provisions; dispirited by losses and fatigue, 
retreating almost naked and barefooted, in the 
cold of November and December, before a nume- 
rous, well appointed, and victorious army, through 
a desponding country; — the immense numbers 
that daily flocked to the British standard, for the 
purpose of making their peace and obtaining pro- 

-■- Marsh. Life Washington, vol. ii, ch. 7, p. 453. 



30 LIFl^ OF LA FAYETTE. 

tection; — the universal idea that the contest was 
approaching its termination, greatly supported by 
the contrast between the splendid appearance of 
the pursuing army, and that made by the ragged 
Americans who were flying befoi-e them, destitute 
of almost every necessary;— all these causes con- 
tributed, in Europe, almost to extinguish the hope 
of a successful issue to the struggles of America, y* 

But the confidence of l.a Fayette in the tri- 
umph of liberty, was, and it ever has been, that 
of a pious man in a future life. 1 he first induce- 
ment that led him to embark in the cause of hber- 
ty and independence, has been related by the 
Marquis himself While stationed in the citadel 
of Metz, and only eighteen years of age, the 
duke of Gloucester, who was then exiled from 
the court of Great Britain on account of his mar- 
riage, communicated to a select company, the 
Information which he had received respecting the 
contest of the Americans. La Fayette was so 
strongly interested by this account, that he left 
Metz for Paris, where he became acquainted with 
Silas Deane, the first agent from America to 
France. At this time doctor Franklin arrived at 
Paris: and after obtaining from him the best in- 
formation concerning the state of the country, 
he was determined, by his ardent love of liberty, 
to embark his life and fortune in the cause of 
American freedom. Thus inflamed with the de- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 33 

sire to participate in the events which were echoed 
by all Europe, he communicated, about the close 
of the year 1776, his intention of repairing to 
America; and they encouraged him in that reso- 
lution. But when they were informed of the 
re\erses in New Jersey, they were compelled 
themselves almost to despaii of the success of 
the revolution, and with an honourable sincerity, 
endeavoured to dissuade the Blarquis from carry- 
ing his design into execution. They even de- 
clared to him that their affairs were so deranged 
by this unhappy news, that they were not able to 
charter a vessel for his passage to America.* 
"Now, then," replied the gallant nobleman, "is 
precisely the moment to serve your cause; the 
more people are discouraged, the greater utility 
will result from my departure; and if you cannot 
furnish me with a vessel, I will freight one at my 
own expense, to convey your despatches, and 
my person, to the shores of America." 

And as he said, he did. Nursed in the lap of 
luxury and ease, possessing a princely fortune, 
and ennobled by the most illustrious blood of 
France, he had unalterably formed the heroic 
resolution to abandon the comforts of home, the 
enjoyments of affluence, and the attractions of a 
court, to devote himself to the cause of that li- 

* Botta's Indcpeiuknce, vol. ii, p. 342. 



32 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

berty, the love of which has decided every action 
of his life. Impelled by that ardour which arises 
from a liberal education, and a native generosity 
of sentiments, he embarked in the cause of Ame- 
rica, not from what the lukewarm and calculating 
termed madness and youthful folly, but from a 
firm conviction that it was just and honourable. 
This determination on the part of so illustrious a 
personage, astonished the people of France, and 
excited universal attention and conversation. The 
court of France, either to save appearances and 
avoid giving umbrage to Great Britain, or really 
displeased at the proposed enterprise, prohibited 
his departure; and it is even asserted, that vessels 
were despatched with orders to arrest him in the 
waters of the West Indies. But resistance to the 
king's will, on this occasion, was encouraged by 
the public applause, and it was hailed by univer- 
sal approbation. Even at that moment, the seeds 
of the French revolution were beginning to ger- 
minate: when the royal authority has lost ground 
in public opinion, the principle of a monarchical 
government, which places honour in obedience. 
is attacked at its basis.* 

Embarrassments served only to strengthen this 
resolution, and increase his youthful ardour and 
patriotism. According to the laws of France, he 

•■ De Stael Consid. French Rev. vol. i, chap. 7, p. 89. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 33 

exposed himself, by a clandestine departure, to 
the loss of his whole property; and, if captured 
by the British on his passage to America, he was 
liable to a confinement of uncertain duration, 
without the most remote prospect of being ex- 
changed. But no personal considerations could 
influence the conduct of that generous friend to 
humanity, who, to a certain degree, possessed the 
same disinterestedness, the same enthusiasm, the 
same perseverance in opinion, \\4iich distinguish- 
ed the illustrious Washington. Tearing himself 
from the arms of his beloved wife, who was in 
all the bloom of youth, and from the society of 
connexions, to whom he was eminently endeared, 
he embarked, at the early age of nineteen years, 
in the vessel which he had purchased and equip- 
ped at his own expense, and steering wide of the 
West India Islands, safely arrived in South Caro- 
lina, on the nineteenth of April, 1777- — What 
chequered scenes has La Fayette witnessed—- 
what glory has he won— what miseries has he 
endured — since the following notice of his depar- 
ture was published in a Paris paper of 1777'- 

"Paris, April 4, 1777. One of the richest of 
our young nobility, the Marquis de La Fayette, a 
relation of the Duke de Noailles, between nine- 
teen and twenty years of age, has, at his own 
expense, hired a vessel, and pi^ovided every thing 



34 LIFE OF- LA FAYETTEo 

necessary for a voyage to America, with two offi- 
cers of his acquaintance. He set out last week, 
having told his lady and family that he was going 
to Italy. He is to serve as major-general in the 
American Army. — On the other hand, the Count 
de Bulkeley, an Irish gentleman, who is a major- 
general in the French service, is going, with the 
leave of his majesty, to offer himself to the king 
of Great Britain, to serve against the Americans." 
The j^larquis landed on North Island, in Win- 
yau Bay, about sixty miles from Charleston, and 
was welcomed with the most cordial hospitality 
by the family of major Benjamin Huger, an offi- 
cer of great gallantry and high promise, who fell, 
rcovered with wounds, before Charleston, during 
Provost's invasion, while executing an important 
duty: to increase the calamity, he fell by friendly 
hands,— the fire which destroyed him proceeding 
from the American lines. He remained a short 
time in this dehghtful retreat, but anxious to pur- 
sue the object of his voyage, he soon removed to 
Charleston under the guidance of his hospitable 
host. Admired by his entertainers, who felt deep- 
ly interested in his success, and whose sentiments 
in his favour increased with his rising fame, it is 
not surprising, that a son of the family, (the gal- 
lant colonel Francis Kinloch Huger,) should have 
cherished that enthusiastic attachment to his cha- 
racter, which led to as noble an act of friendship 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 35 

and heroism, as adorns the page of Chivahy.* 
On his very first landing in Carolina,* in testimony 
of his respect and high admiration of the gallant 
defence made by general Moultrie, of the pass on 
Sullivan's Island, and charmed with the gallantry 
displayed by the troops on that occasion, he pre- 
sented him with clothing, arms, and accoutre- 
ments for one hundred. And well did they deserve 
this evidence of their valour: resolved to repel 
the foe, or nobly perish, the undaunted garrison 
received the tremendous fire of the British si lip- 
ping with composure, and returned it with terri- 
ble effect, until valour accomplished what pru- 
dence had declared impracticable, and the retreat 
of the assailants adorned the brows of every in- . 
dividual concerned, with laurels that can never 
fade. — Such were the circumstances under which 
La Fayette landed on our shores. Scarcely had 
he set his foot upon our soil, before his gallant 
spirit mingled in enthusiasm with that of the 
brave warriors, whose brows were still contracted 
by the sternness of warfare, whose ears were still 
ringing with the shouts of battle, whose swords 
were yet reeking with the blood of their oppres- 
sors. 

The young hero met with the most cordial re- 
ception from congress, who immediately accepted 

■ Garden's Anecd. p. 95, 



SQ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Ms proffered services, and omitted no demon- 
stration of the respect and esteem in which they 
held the person of a man, who had made the 
greatest sacrifices and exposed himself to danger, 
in support of the tottering cause of America. 
His high rank, his influence at the court of Ver- 
sailles, his frankness of manners, and zeal in the 
cause, soon secured him the unlimited respect of 
his own countrymen, and the universal esteem of 
the Americans. It is impossible to describe the 
affection with which he was regarded by them, 
and which was only surpassed by the love of their 
illustrious chief. To those who knew him, it was 
not a matter of wonder, that he had discovered 
the secret of winning all their hearts. His de- 
portment was dignified without pride; his man- 
ners gentle without apathy, frank without bold- 
ness, and courteous without servility. His zeal, 
activity, and enthusiasm in the cause of America, 
were wholly distinct from all the political views 
of co-operation with the wishes of his court, and, 
when added to a sincere and uniform admiration 
of the greatest and best character of the age, 
completely endeared him to the American peo- 
ple. Of La Fayette it has been said, by those 
who knew him well, that he was never spoken 
of, without manifest tokens of attachment and 
affection.* 

* Chastelleux's Trav.voh i, p. 103. Note- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 37 

Touched by this flattering reception, he re- 
solved to exert himself to the utmost of his know- 
ledge and ability; but he feh, and did not hesitate 
to confess, the want of that practical knowledge, 
without which the theoretical science of the sol- 
dier can seldom lead to glory or success. With 
a generosity and modesty, which delighted the 
Americans, he demanded no station in the army, 
would consent to receive no compensation, and 
requested permission to serve, at first, only as a 
volunteer. This generous conduct was the more 
pleasing, as the claims of some of the French 
who had entered the service, were so exorbitant, 
that they could not be gratified, on the subject 
either of pay, or of rank.— Many of the foreign 
officers who assisted in the revolutionary war, had 
little in view, but employment in the profession 
they had chosen; and, as few natives then pos- 
sessed military skill, they found little difficulty in 
obtaining high commands. For their services, 
they deserved their wages, and, if they were vic- 
torious in battle, they also deserved glory: but 
those who acted from these motives, had no 
claims on the gratitude of the American people. 
Fighting was their vocation, and for honour and 
emolument, they would have fought against liber- 
ty, as readily as for it. The case of La Fayette 
was different: he left an ample fortune to partici- 
pate in all the privations of a people struggling 



3S LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

for liberty. The ambition by which he was actu- 
ated, was honourable; and he has by his subse- 
quent conduct, proved the sincerity of his repub- 
licanism. — It was Silas Deane who had encouraged 
these exorbitant expectations on the part of the 
French officers, by entering, in France, into such 
engagements with them, as could not be confirm- 
ed in America. 

The Marquis de La Fayette had also stipulated 
with Mr. Deane for the rank of major general, 
without emolument, and the honorary rank was 
conferred on him soon after his arrival in Ameri- 
ca, but without any immediate command. On the 
thirty-first of July, 1777, the following preamble 
and resolution were adopted by congress: 

Whereas the Marquis de La Fayette, out of his 
great zeal to the cause of liberty, in which the 
United States are engaged, has left his family and 
connexions, and at his own expense, come over 
to offer his service to the United States, without 
pension or particular allowance, and is anxious 
to risk his life in our cause: 

Resolved^ That his service be accepted, and 
that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious fami- 
ly and connexions, he have the rank and commis- 
sion of major-general in the army of the United 
states. 

This noble philanthropist was immediately re- 
ceived into the family of the commander-in-chief. 



LIFE OF LA FAYP:TTE. 39 

to whom he attached himself with all the ardour 
of youth. Washington felt for him, in turn, a 
warm and sincere friendship, and paved the way 
to bestowing on him a command in the army 
equal to his rank. It was here that the princi- 
ples of liberty, which appear to have been almost 
co-existent with his birth, were judiciously regu- 
lated and fostered. Under the care and tuition 
of the venerated man of the age, whose " adopted 
son" he was, they grew with his growth, and 
strengthened with his strength. 

It was not long before the chivalrous ardour of 
the young hero was displayed upon the field of 
battle. At the battle of Brandy wine, which oc- 
curred on the eleventh of September, 1777, he 
evinced his gallantry and zeal, and first shed his 
blood, in the cause which he had espoused with 
so much enthusiasm. In the year 1777, the Bri- 
tish, having in vain attempted to reach Philadel- 
phia across the Jersies by land, proceeded by sea 
to the Chesapeake, and on the twenty-fifth of 
August, landed near the Head of Elk, to which 
place sir William Howe marched, with one divi- 
siony and the next day advanced his van to Gray's 
Hill, leaving general Knyphausen, with three bri- 
gades, at the place of landing. The whole force 
of the British army consisted of eighteen thou- 
sand men, in good health and spirits, trained to 
the service, admirably supplied with all the im- 



40 LWE OF LA FAYETTE. 

plements of war, and led by a general of expe- 
rience and unquestionable military talents.— On 
the twenty -fourth of August, Washington passed 
through Philadelphia, on his way to meet the 
enemy; and after stopping some short time on the 
Brandy wine to refresh, and afford an opportunity 
of reconnoitering both the country and the ene- 
my, the divisions of Greene and Stephen proceed- 
ed nearer to the Head of Elk, and encamped 
behind White-Clay-Creek. Although the real 
strength of the American army cannot be stated 
with certainty, the estimate of fifteen thousand 
made by sir William Howe, did not probably ex- 
ceed the reality; but it is an unfortunate fact, at- 
tributable in some degree to the badness of their 
clothing and scarcity of tents, as well as of food, 
that the effective force, including militia, did not 
exceed eleven thousand. 

General Maxwell, being posted about three 
miles in front of White-Clay-Creek, was fallen in 
with, attacked, and routed, by a detachment under 
lord Cornwallis, and retreated over Wliite-Clay- 
Creek. The whole American army, except the 
light infantry, which remained on the lines, now 
retired behind Red-Clay-Creek, occupying with 
its left wing the town of Newport, situated near 
the Christiana, and on the great road to Philadel- 
phia. Its right extended a considerable distance 
up the creek to Hockesson township: on this 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 41 

ground, general Washington thought it probable 
that the fate of Philadelphia, and of the campaign, 
might be decided; and therefore resorted to all 
the means in his power to encourage his troops, 
and stimulate them to the greatest exertions. 

The enemy, re4nforced by the rear guard un- 
der general Grant, advanced his main body by 
Newark, upon the right of the American encamp- 
ment, and took post within four miles of that 
place, extending his left still further up the coun- 
try. In the meantime, a strong column made a 
show of attacking in front, and after manoeuvre- 
ing for some time, halted at Milton, within two 
miles of the centre. Washington saw the threat- 
ened danger, and retired with his troops beyond 
the Brandy wine, and took post behind that river, 
on the heights which extend from Chadd's Ford, 
in the direction of north east to south east. The 
militia, under the command of general Arm- 
strong, guarded a passage two miles below the 
principal encampment of Washington, and the 
right wing extended some miles above, to guard 
other fords deemed less practicable. In thi;^ po- 
sition, the American general awaited the move- 
ments of the enemy. Although the Brandywine, 
being fordable almost every where, could not 
serve as a sufficient defence against the impetu- 
osity of the enemy, yet Washington had taken 
post on its banks, from a conviction that a battle 



42 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

was now inevitable, and that Philadelphia could 
only be saved by a victory. Besides which, the 
ill effects which the surrender of Philadelphia, 
without striking a blow, would have had on the 
public mind, demanded that a sacrifice should be 
made on the altar of public opinion. The pro- 
tection of that city was deemed by all America, 
and especially by congress, of such infinite mag- 
nitude^ as to require the hazard of a battle for 
its attainment. Hence the general engagement, 
sought by Howe, was not avoided by Washington. 
Early in the morning of the eleventh of Sep- 
temlier the whole British army was in motion. 
It was formed in two columns, the right com- 
manded by general Knyphausen, and the left by 
lord Cornwallis. It was the plan of general 
Howe, that the former should make repeated 
feints to attempt the passage of Chadd's Ford, in 
order to occupy the attention of the AmericanSy 
while the second should take a long circuit to the 
upper part of the rivei*, and cross at a place 
where it is divided into two shallow streams.— 
Knyphausen advanced with his column, and com- 
menced a furious cannonade upon the passage of 
Chadd's Ford, making all his dispositions as if he 
intended to ford it. The Americans defended 
themselves with gallantry, and even passed seve- 
I'al detachments of light troops to the other side, 
in order to harass the enemv's flank. In this 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 43 

manner the attention of the Americans was fully 
occupied in the neighbourhood of Chadd's Ford. 
About eleven in the morning, Washington was 
informed of the movements of lord Cornwallis, 
who had taken a road leading from Kennet's 
Square directly up the country, and had fallen 
into the great valley road, south of the Brandy- 
wine, and above its forks: they were then on their 
march towards Tremble's and JefFery's fords, 
which they passed without opposition, and then 
turning short down the river, took the road to 
Dilworth, in order to fall upon the right flank of 
the American army. 

On receiving this information, Washington 
formed the most judicious, but bold, plan to cross 
the river, in person, with the centre and left wing 
of his army, and overwhelm Knyphausen by a 
furious attack; — justly reflecting that the advan- 
tage he should obtain over the right of the ene- 
my, would amply counterbalance the loss that his 
own might sustain at the same time. In the 
critical moment when this plan was to be ex- 
ecuted, the troops being in motion, counter in- 
telligence was received, inducing a belief that 
the movement of the British had been only a 
feint, and that the column under lord Cornwallis^ 
after making demonstrations of crossing the 
Brandywine above the forks, actually marched 
down the southern side of that river, to re-uuite 



44 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

itself with Knypliausen. Thus was prevented, 
by false intelligence, the execution of a measure, 
which, if carried into effect, might have given a 
favourable turn to the events of the day. 

But the uncertainty produced by this contra- 
dictory intelligence was speedily removed, and 
about two o'clock in the afternoon, it was posi- 
tively ascertained that the column of Cornwallis, 
accompanied by sir William How^e in person, was 
about to fall in great force upon the right wing. 
This was composed of the brigades of generals 
Sullivan, Stirling, and Stephen, who, taking new 
ground, advanced a little fiirlher up the Brandy- 
wine, and fronted the column of the enemy. 
The division under general Wayne remained at 
Chadd's Ford, for the purpose of keeping Knyp- 
hausen in check, while Greene's division, accom- 
panied by general Washington in person, formed 
a reserve, and took a central position, between 
the right and left wings. 

The column of Cornwallis now arrived in sight 
of the ximericans, and Sullivan, who commanded 
the right wing, drew up his troops on the com- 
manding ground above Birmingham Meeting 
House, with his left extending towards the Bran- 
dywine, and both his flanks covered with very 
thick woods. The British, having reconnoitered 
the disposition of the Americans, immediately 
formed, and fell upon them with the utmost im- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTF. 45 

petuosity; and about four o'clock in the afternoon, 
the action became equally fierce on both sides. 
For some length of time, the Americans defended 
themselves with great valour, and the carnage 
v^^as terrible; but such was the emulation which 
invigorated the efforts of the English and the 
Hessians, that neither the advantages of situation, 
nor a heavy and well supported fire of small 
arms and artillery, nor the unshaken courage of 
the Americans, were able to resist their impetu- 
osity. The American right, which was in some 
disorder, first gave way, and the light infantry, 
chasseurs, grenadiers, and guards, threw them- 
selves with such fury into the midst of the repub- 
lican battalions, that the route soon became gene- 
ral. The vanquished fled into the woods in their 
rear, pursued by the victors, who advanced by 
the great road towards Dil worth. — On the first 
commencement of the action, general ^^l ashing- 
ton pressed forward with general Greene to the 
support of the right wing. But, notwithstanding 
the rapidity of their march, (four miles in forty- 
two minutes,) he found it impossible to get up, 
before the route of that part of the army had 
become complete, tlie confusion wild and univer- 
sal, and the enemy in full pursuit. General 
Greene, however, by a judicious manceuvre, 
checked the enemy, and secured the retreat of 
the fugitives. Having come to a defile, covered 



46 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

on both sides with woods, he drew up his men 
there, and again faced the enemy. His corps was 
composed of Pennsylvanians and Virginians, who 
defended themselves with gallantry, and their 
fire made such( an impression, as, in addition to 
the approach of night, induced sir William Howe, 
after dispersing them, to give over the pursuit. 

When the right was found to be fully engaged 
with Cornwallis, general Knyphausen made pre- 
parations for attempting the passage of Chadd's 
Ford, in reality. It was defended by an intrench- 
ment and battery. The Americans, under Wayne 
and ^taxwell, made an obstinate resistance; but 
the works were forced, and intelligence of the 
defeat of the right being received, no further op- 
position was made in that quarter. Greene was 
the last to quit the field of battle, but, it being 
already dark, he also retired, after a long and ob- 
stinate conflict. 

The whole army retreated that night to Ches- 
ter, and the day following to Philadelphia. The 
loss sustained by the Americans in this action was 
estimated at three hundred killed and six hundred 
wounded. Between three and four hundred, 
principally the wounded, were made prisoners. 
The official letter of sir William Howe stated his 
loss at one hundred killed and four hundred 
wounded: If the account be correct, the ine- 
quality of loss is to be attributed solely to the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 47 

Inferiority and miserable state of their arms, as 
the Americans sustained scarcely any injury dur- 
ing the retreat. — After this sanguinary battle, and 
a series of masterly manoeuvres on the part of 
the two armies, the rich and populous capital of 
the confederation fell into the power of the roy- 
alists, and lord Cornwallis entered Philadelphia 
on the twenty-sixth of September, 1777, at the 
head of a detachment of British and Hessian 
grenadiers.* 

During the battle of Brandy wine, the French 
officers were extremely useful to the Americans^ 
both in forming the troops and rallying them when 
thrown into confusion. Among these, the Mar- 
quis de La Fayette was particularly distinguished. 
Brave almost to a fault, and romantically so in 
the execution of orders, he exhibited, on this 
occasion, full and early proofs of his undaunted 
bravery and military character. While he was 
endeavouring, by his words and example, to rally 
the fugitives, he received a wound in the leg, but 
continued nevertheless to fulfil his duty, both as 
a soldier in fighting, and as a general in cheering 
the troops and endeavouring to re-establish order. 
General La Fayette, with lord Stirling, and Sulli- 
van himself, (after the defeat of his division,) 
fought with the body of troops which received 

*Botta's War Indepeiid. vol. ii, book viii.— Marshall's Life 
Washington, vol. iii, ch. 3. — Ramsay's American Revolut. ch. 14. 



48 3LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the left column of Cornwallis, and it was Hot 
until the enemy were within twenty yards of 
them, that they gave way, and threw themselves 
into the woods. Their post was the most im- 
portant, and they made a long and gallant resis- 
tance. It was here that La Fayette was wounded 
in tlie left leg.* The baron St. Ovary, captain 
de Fleury, and count Pulanski, were also con- 
spicuous for their cool courage and services, 
during the engagement. 

The British general, now in possession of Phi- 
ladelphia, being compelled to relinquish the hope 
of supporting his army from the adjacent coun- 
try, owing to the vigilance of the Americans, and 
the severe resolutions of Congress, subjecting to 
martial lavf and to death, all those who should 
furnish the royal troops with provisions, applied 
himself with diligence to the task of removing 
the obstructions of the Delaware, and opening a 
free communication with the fleet. To succeed 
in this operation, it was necessary to seize Mud 
Island, wliicli was defended by Fort Mifflin, and 
the point of Red Bank, where the Americans had 
erected Fort fiercer. The former was com- 
manded by colonel Smith, and the latter by colo- 
nel Greene. Colonel Donop, on the evening of 
the twenty-first of October, 1777, passed tlie 

■* Castelleux's Trav. I. 246. 



LIFE OP LA FAYETTE. 49 

Delaware with a strong detachment of Hessians, 
and arrived, at a late hour, the following day, in 
the rear of Red Bank. lie attacked the fort with 
great gallantry, but the Americans, retiring into 
the body of the redoubt, made a vigorous de- 
fence, and colonel Donop being mortally wound- 
ed and taken prisoner, and his best officers either 
killed or disabled, the Hessians were severely 
repulsed, and retired with precipitation, with the 
loss of four or five hundred men. Much of the 
success of the day was attributed to the Cheva- 
lier Duplessis, a French officer, who directed the 
artillery with great ability and valour. — The at- 
tack on Fort Mifflin was more successful, notwith- 
standing the intrepidity displayed by the garrison: 
on the first attack they defended themselves with 
gallantry until night put an end to the engage- 
ment. The next day the British renewed the 
attack, in the hope that, under cover of their fire, 
the ships Augusta and Merlin, which had ground- 
ed, might be got off*: the former, however, took 
fire and blew up; and the latter was hastily evacu- 
ated and laid in a train of destruction. The 
erection of works on Province Island, by the Bri- 
tish, now decided the fate of Fort Mifflin: on the 
fifteenth of November, a furious cannonade was 
opened from the British fort and shipping, and at 
length, the American works being battered down, 
and the ditch filled up with ruins, their situatioji 



5@ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

became extremely critical. Perceiving; that the 
English were taking measures for storming the 
body of the fortress the following morning, and 
being sensible that it was no longer defensible, 
the stores were sent off, and setting fire to every 
thing that was capable of receiving it, they evacu- 
ated the place in the night, and withdrew to Red 
Bank. 

It was now absolutely necessary, from the* 
growing scarcity of provisions, as well as of fire- 
wood, to dislodge the garrison of Red Bank, and 
thereby wholly remove the impediments which 
obstructed the navigation of the Delaware. Corn- 
waliis was accordingly despatched by lord Howe 
to the Jersey Shore, with instructions to attack 
Fort Mercer in the rear. At Billingsport, where 
he was preparing to execute these orders, he was 
re4nforced by a body of troops just arrived from 
New York. Washington, being very desirous to 
preserve, if practicable, a position so well calcu- 
lated to arrest the progress of the enemy, upon 
receiving intelligence of this movement, ordered 
major-general Greene to pass, also, with his de- 
tachment, into Kew Jersey. It was hoped that 
he might not only be able to protect Fort Mercer, 
but obtain some advantage over Corn waliis. Gene- 
ral Greene passed the Delaware, and landed at 
Burlington, accompanied by the enthusiastic La 
Fayette, eager, although his wound was not yet 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 5X 

healed, to gather fresh laurels in the field. His 
division was to be reinforced by troops sent from 
the banks of the Hudson. The march was com- 
iiienced; but general Greene abandoned the plan 
of giving battle to Cornwallis, when he learned 
the superiority in numbers which he had obtained 
by the junction of the re-inforcement from New 
York. Hence the commandant of the garrison, 
losing ail hope of succour, and apprized of the 
approach of Cornwalhs, evacuated Fort Mercer 
and Red Bank. — General Greene, with La Fay- 
ette, however, still continued in New Jersey, and 
was joined by several corps sent by general Gates 
to the assistance of the army in Pennsylvania, 
among w^hich w^as that of Morgan's riflemen, 
become celebrated by a multitude of brilliant 
explohs. But Cornwallis had so fortified himself 
at Gloucester Point, that he was perfectly secure 
from any enterprise that could be made by gene- 
ral Greene. — Washington now recalled general 
Greene, fearful that Cornwallis, having accom- 
plished the objects of his expedition, might sud- 
denly re-cross the Delaware, and thus enable 
Howe, with all his forces, to attack the American 
army while divided. Greene, therefore, repassed 
the river, and joined the principal army at Skip- 
pach Creek; and similar considerations determin- 
ed general Howe to direct the detachment of 
Cornwallis to rejoin him without delay. But the 



52 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

failure of the main object of the expedition, ow- 
ing to the superior number and rapid movements 
of the British, did not prevent general La Fayette 
from evincing the same determined spirit and 
irresistible braveiy, which characterised his con- 
duct in the battle of Brandy wine. On the twenty- 
fifth of November, previous to the evacuation of 
New Jersey, the rifle corps of Morgan, assisted 
by some detachments of militia under the com- 
mand of La Fayette, gallantly attacked and routed 
a superior force of Hessians and British grena- 
diers. "The Marquis," said general Greene, 
speaking of this affair, " seemed to search for 
danger, and was charmed with the behaviour of 
his men."* 

On this expedition, the mutual esteem conceiv- 
ed by generals Greene and La Fayette, at the 
battle of Brandy wine, and increased by a subse- 
quent participation in toils and dangers, became 
cemented into a union of friendship and affec- 
tion, which with the one lasted to his death, and 
with the other, exists to this day. After the full 
recognition of the independence of the American 
states, George Washington Greene, the eldest son 
of the general, was taken, in 17»5, by the Mar- 
quis to France, and pursued his education under 
the care of his father's old and steadfast friend„ 

* Bo' 'a's War Independence, vol. ii, book viii. — Johnson's Life 
Greene, 4to, vol, i, p. 9S, 94. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 5S 

When the revolution broke out in that country, 
his mother's apprehensions induced her to recall 
him; and he returned to Georgia, in 1794; he 
was aU that the fondest parent could desire, but 
unfortunately was drowned in the Savannah river, 
a short time after his return. 

After the gallant conduct displayed by him in 
New Jersey, the Marquis, who had hitherto serv- 
ed only as a volunteer, was invested, by the com- 
mander-in-chief, with the command of a division 
of the army; an appointment which, on the first 
of December, 1777, was ratified by congress, in 
the following words: 

" Resolved, That general Washington be inform- 
ed it is highly agreeable to congress, that the 
marquis De La Fayette be appointed to the com- 
mand of a division in the continental army." 

Notwithstanding the impetuous bravery, and 
almost rashness, which he had displayed, and 
although possessed of all the fire of youth, he 
conducted himself, when entrusted with a sepa- 
rate command, with a degree of caution and pru- 
dence, that would have been creditable to the 
ealm temper and circumspection of age. 

General La Fayette was soon called upon by 
congress to act in a more responsible station than 
he had hitherto done, as the commander-in-chief 
of an army destined to undertake a winter expe- 
dition into Canada. The manner in which the 



54 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

whole of this transaction was conducted on the 
part of the government, portrayed the power of 
that detestable cabal which had been formed for 
the destruction or degradation of the illustrious 
Washington. In the midst of the anxieties which 
almost overwhelmed him, in the commencement 
of 1778, he had the additional chagrin of finding 
that intrigues were in agitation against him. The 
impatient, and the ambitious, attributed to his 
incapacity, the reverses of the two preceding 
years, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, The 
victories of Gates were enlarged upon, who was 
placed far above the commander-in-chief, and the 
heroic valour of American troops when led by a 
competent commander, was continually extolled. 
Private persons circulated these slanders; and 
discontent caused them to be repeated by men in 
office, until they found admittance into the midst 
of the army, into several of the state legislatures, 
and, finally, even into congress itself The main 
object of these machinations appears to have been, 
to force Washington to retire in disgust from the 
army. The leaders of this combination, however, 
little concerned for the public good, but immode- 
rately so for their own, aimed only to advance 
themselves and their friends at the expense of 
others. — But, supported by that elevated spirit, 
and by that firmness which no reverses of for- 
tune could abate, the serenity which Washington 



LIFE eF LA FAYETTE. 55 

enjoyed, was not even for a moment interrupted 
by these secret plotters; and he bore with com- 
posure the determination of congress, matured 
in concert with the new board of war, and with-^ 
out any reference to his opinion, relative to the 
irruption into Canada which they had planned. 
It cannot be decided whether this ungrateful pro- 
ceeding arose from the desire of congress to 
show that they knew how to act by themselves, 
or whether it was adopted because they had re- 
ally withdrawn from the commander-in-chief a 
portion of the confidence which they had placed 
in him in times past.* On the twenty-second of 
January, 1778, it was '• Resolved^ That an irrup- 
tion be made into Canada, and that the board of 
war be authorised to take every necessary mea- 
sure for the execution of the business, under 
such general officers as congress shall appoint;" 
and on the following day, major-general the mar- 
quis De La Fayette, major-general Conway, and 
brigadier Htark, were appointed to conduct it. — 
Great advantages were anticipated from placing 
the marquis at the head of this expedition, be- 
cause his character as a Frenchman of illustrious 
rank, rendered him more peculiarly qualified for 
the conquest of a province, recently attached to 
the French empire. But it was also surmised, 

*Botta's War Independence, vol. ii, book viii. 



56 I-IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

that the authors of this scheme had it principally 
in view, by separating La Fayette from Washing- 
ton, to deprive the commander-in-chief of the 
defence of so fond and faithful a friend. 

Washington, vv^ithout being at all consulted, re- 
ceived a letter from the president of the board 
of war, dated the twenty -fourth of January, en- 
closing one of the same date to La Fayette, re- 
quiring his immediate attendance on congress to 
receive his instructions. No other communication 
was made to the commander-in-chief, than to re- 
quest that he would furnish colonel Hazen's regi- 
ment, chiefly composed of Canadians, for the 
expedition; and, in the same letter, his opinions 
were asked respecting it. Without noticing the 
manner in which the business was conducted, 
and the unusual want of confidence it betrayed, 
orders were immediately given to Hazen's regi- 
ment, to march towards Albany; and the marquis 
proceeded to the residence of congress. At his 
request, major-general tlie baron De Kalb was 
added to the expedition, as well as lieutenant- 
colonel Fleury. The board of war counselled 
him, that, considering the length of the route into 
that country in an inclement season, he should be 
particularly attentive to have his men well cloth- 
ed, and so supplied with pi'ovisions, as effectually 
to guard against any misfortune which might hap- 
pen for want of these necessary articles; and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE;. 57 

that, in case he should fail in obtaining the forces 
which he might judge competent, or supplies 
sufficient for them, that he should carefully attend 
to those contingencies, and regulate his conduct 
according to the probability of success, vs^ithout 
exposing his troops to any very great, or very 
apparent, hazard. With these vague instructions, 
general La Fayette repaired in person to Alljany, 
in order to take charge of the troops that were 
to be there assembled, and from whence he was 
to cross the lakes on the ice, and attack Montre- 
al. — He now published a preparatory memorial 
addressed to the French Canadians, and calling 
upon them, by all the ties of allegiance, blood, 
religion, and country, as well as by the natural 
desire of recovering their freedom, to be ready 
to join and assist him; — and holding out all the 
severities of war to those, if any such there were, 
who, blindly perverse to their own interests, and 
forgetful of all those ties and duties, should in any 
manner, oppose the arms, or impede the gene- 
jous designs, of their deliverers. 

But the marquis found, in Albany, no prepara- 
tion made for the expedition; — neither men, nor 
arms, nor munitions. Nothing that had been 
promised was in readiness; and he therefore aban- 
doned the enterprise as totally impracticable. 
Congress soon after also determined on its relin- 
quishment. On the second of March, the com- 
ix 



68 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

iiiittee to whom the matter was referred, brought 
in the following report: " Whereas, it appears 
from authentic accounts, that difficulties attend 
the prosecution of the irruption ordered to be 
made into Canada, under the conduct (sf the mar- 
quis De La Fayette, which render the attempt 
not only hazardous in a high degree, but extreme- 
ly imprudent^—Resolved^ That the board of waF 
instruct the marquis De La Fayette to suspend, 
for the present, the intended irruption; and at the 
same time inform him, that congress entertain a 
high sense of his prudence, activity, and zeal; 
and that they are fully persuaded, nothing has^ 
or would have, been wanting on his part, or on 
the part of the officers who accompanied hinij 
to give the expedition the utmost possible effect.'^ 
On the thirteenth of March, general Washington 
was authorised to recall both the marquis De 
La Fayette and the baron De Kalb; — but Conwayy 
that wily and restless intriguer, was never again 
ordered to join the army.— At this time, the mar- 
quis De La Fayette was only twenty years of age, 
and must have sensibly felt the attraction of a 
separate command; but his sound judgment, 
and singleness of heart, prevented him from 
yielding to his passion for military renown, under 
circumstances where precipitation would have 
done so much injury to the cause which he had 
so zealously espoused. He found that if he ad- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 59 



^ 



vanced into Canada, the army he would be able 
to command would be m danger of experiencing 
the fate which had just fallen upon Burgoyne. 
Thus, by relinquishing the project at Albany, and 
conveying his free sentiments as to its pi-actica- 
bleness to congress, he not only received their 
thanks for the wisdom of his conduct, but aff >rd- 
ed an example of firm and consummate prudence, 
which would have done honour to an experienced 
and veteran commander. 

It is stated as a remarkable fact, that general 
Schuyler, in November, 1777, addressed a letter 
to general Washington, containing a plan of at- 
tack on Canada, similar in its leading features 
to that which La Fayette was ordered to com- 
mand in January, 1778. The young nobleman 
showed his instructions to general Schuyler, who 
discovered in them, his own plan, of which, he 
supposed, some other wished to claim the ho- 
nour.* 

To cover the country effectually on the north 
of the Schuylkill, and restrain, as much as possi- 
ble, the parties detached in various directions 
from Philadelphia by the British, who most gene- 
rally effected their object, and returned before 
they could be opposed by the army lying at Val- 
ley Forge; — to form an advance guard for the 

* Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i, p. 387". 



m LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

security of the main army; — and to be in readi- 
ness to annoy, if practicable, the rear of the ene- 
my, should they evacuate Philadelphia, an event 
which was speedily anticipated, the marquis De 
La Fayette was detached, by general Washington, 
with an elite corps of rather more than two thou- 
sand men, and a few pieces of cannon, to take 
post near the lines. As this corps formed a very 
valuable part of the army, the instructions of the 
general recommended the utmost attention to its 
safety, and particularly advised him to avoid any 
permanent station, since a long continuance in 
one position would enable the enemy to concert 
their measures successfully against him. With 
this detachment, the marquis crossed the Schuyl- 
kill and took post at Barren Hill, on the morning 
of the eighteenth of May, about eight or ten 
miles in front of the army at Valley Forge. As 
soon as he arrived, he addressed the following 
note to captain M'Lane, who commanded a light 
corps of observation charged with the arduous 
but honourable duty of watching the movements 
of the enemy, between the Delav^are and Shuyl- 
kill rivers: 



" Woods near- Barren Hill Churchy 
'• 9 o'clock A. M.. iSth May, 1778. 
"Dear Sir, 

"•I have just now received your letter^ and wisli 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 61 

you would come down immediately, that I might 
speak to you of several things. Inquire, if you 
please, if the people think there will be a market 
to-morrow? I wish, also, you would see if some 
man, to be depended on, and of credit with the 
enemy, would undertake a visit to the city for 
twelve guineas. Is it known towards the British 
lines, that a detachment has been ordered from 
our army? 

" Your's, 

"M. Be La Fayette." 

The argus-eyed M'Lane immediately waited 
on the general, and assisted him in taking every 
possible precaution to prevent surprise. His 
vigilance in securing his position, shows that the 
advantage obtained over the marquis, on this 
occasion, rested on grounds little understood, and 
wholly acquits him of want of caution. La Fay- 
ette, in person, guarded the most direct road to 
his position; brigadier-general Potter, of the mi- 
litia, was entrusted with the second; and patroles 
kept an eye on the third, which was the most 
circuitous. A spy, however, who had been for- 
merly in the American army, and who still kept 
up his intercourse with his former comrades, and 
often visited Valley Forge, at this period main- 
tained a correspondence with the enemy through 
the means of a messenger stationed at Frankford 



(5:2 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

creek; and thus general Howe was apprized of 
the movement of the marquis almost as soon as 
it was made. Seizing, with avidity, tliis favoura- 
ble opportimity to oveiwhelm the youthful gene- 
ral, he resolved to make a vigorous effort to 
surprise and cut him off. So fully assured was 
he of success, that he is said to have invited 
many ladies to meet La Fayette at supper on the 
following day. In prosecution of the plan which 
lie had formed, he sent general Grant, accompa- 
nied by sir William Erskine, with five thousand 
select troops, by a forced night march, to turn the 
marquis' left and gain his rear, while general 
Gray, moving in concert by the Ridge Road, was 
to take possession of the heights near the falls of 
Schuylkill, and prevent his escape by fording the 
river at that place. About eight o'clock in the 
evening of the nineteenth of May, general Grant 
marched out of Philadelphia on the Germantown 
road, turned off at the Rising Sun tavern on the 
old York road, thus diverging from Barren Hill, 
and after passing Plymouth Meeting House, and 
White Marsh, he arrived at the position he was 
directed to occupy, about a mile in the rear of 
the marquis, between him and Valley Forge. He 
reached this point of destination about sunrise, 
and now believed that he had got the marquis in 
a cul de sac^ and had nothing more to do btit 
spring the net. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 63 

Captain M'Lane, who was posted in advance, 
and ever on the alert, could discover no indica- 
tion of the enemy's movement on the eighteenth, 
nor before the night of the nineteenth. The 
British general, to mask his enterprise, had, by 
double guards, strictly interdicted all communica- 
tion with the country; but the silence which this 
precaution occasioned, caused M'Lane to increase 
his vigilance. On the morning of the nineteenth, 
M'Lane was joined by captain William Parr, of 
Morgan's rifle corps, an officer of distinguished 
bravery. W ith eighty men, and after night fall, 
as was his custom, he advanced towards the 
enemy's lines, his evening patrole having report- 
ed every thing quiet; but, in crossing the country, 
he fell in with two of the enemy's grenadiers, 
who pretended to be deserters, from whom he 
learned that general Grant had marched at twi- 
light with the grenadiers and light infantry on the 
old York road, and that a body of Germans were 
preparing to march up the Schuylkill. These 
combined movements leaving no doubt on his 
mind that the marquis was the object of attack, 
he immediately set out for head quarters by the 
shortest route, after despatching captain Parr 
across the country with the detachment, to get 
possession of Vandevin's Hill, with orders to op- 
pose the column of the enemy which might ad- 
vance on the Ridge Road, to the last extremity. 



64 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

In the mean time, general Gray, with a strong 
detachment, advanced along the south side of the 
Schuylkill, and took post at a ford, two or three 
miles in front of the right flank cf La Fayette. 
The residue of the British army encamped on 
Chestnut Hill. Captain M'Lane reached Barren 
Hill about daybreak, and communicated the im- 
pending danger to La Fayette, who could hardly 
credit the report; but an express from captain 
Parr's detachment, which had got possession of 
the heights of Schuylkill in season to engage 
general Gray's column and check its advance, 
and another, at the same moment, from an op- 
posite quarter, giving information of the move- 
ments of general Grant, soon brought sorrowful 
confirmation of his perilous situation. The man- 
ner in which the last mentioned information was 
conveyed, affords an instance of patriotic zeal, 
worthy of being recorded. In passing White 
Marsh, the noise of the British column awoke a 
captain Stone of the militia, residing there, who, 
on making the discovery, jumped from a back 
window of his house, and ran naked across the 
country towards Barren Hill, mitil he was entire- 
ly exhausted: his report was then taken up and 
carried to the marquis, in the same manner, by 
Richard Burtleston, who resided near Plymouth 
Meeting House. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 65 

The marquis now found himself in a state of 
extreme danger. Finding that he was turned, he 
justly concluded, like an experienced warrior, 
that the column marched against him would not 
be the first to attack, and that it would wait until 
the other was in readiness. In fact, general Grant, 
after marching, under cover of the night, nearly 
twenty miles in nine hours, was attending the 
movements of the column on the Ridge Road. 
At his position the roads forked; one branch led 
to the camp of La Fayette, less than a mile dis- 
tant; the other went to Matson's Ford over the 
Schuylkill, at about the same distance. The re- 
treat of La Fayette was thus cut off from every 
passage but Matson's Ford; and as the line from 
his position formed the base of an obtuse-angled 
triangle, it is obvious that his distance from it was 
much greater than that of the British. 

General La Fayette now changed his front, 
and took a good position opposite the column of 
general Grant, having before him Barren Bill 
Church, and behind him, the opening which serv- 
ed as a retreat. About this time, his perilous 
situation was perceived by glasses from the camp 
at Valley Forge, and the whole army was put 
under arms to act as circumstances might require; 
and six alarm guns, fired by general Washington, 
intended to give his detachment notice of the 
danger, served also to keej) the enemy in awe, 

I 



QQ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

who imagined the whole American army was in 
march. — Nothing now remained but to retreat; 
and La Fayette, with a veteran composure, and 
with a promptness of decision so essential in mo- 
ments of critical danger, took the only course 
which could have preserved his troops. He, 
therefore, advanced the head of a column towards 
Grant, as if to attack him, while the rear filed off 
rapidly towards the Schuylkill: this movement 
gained ground even for the front, which, while 
it advanced towards the enemy, also approached 
the river, and at the same time induced general 
Grant to lose time in order to prepare for battle. 
"While this manoeuvre was performing in the face 
of the detachment under Grant, a small party 
was thrown into the church yard, which was sur- 
rounded by a wall, on the road towards general 
Gray, which also gave the appearance of an in- 
tention to attack in that quarter. By these dis- 
positions, happily conceived, and executed with 
regularity, the marquis extricated himself and his 
party from the destruction which had appeared 
almost inevitable. The only road he could take 
made him approach the column of general Grant, 
and exposed Lim to be attacked by it in front, 
whilst Ciray and the main body fell on his rear. 
In this situation, his own greatness of mind sug- 
gested to the young soldier, the proper course to 
be pursued. Knowing that more honour was 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. (37 

lost, than time gained, in converting a retreat into 
a flight, he continued his march in a tranquil and 
regular order, an(! passed over at Matson's Ford, 
without being intercepted by Grant, or sustaining 
a greater loss than nine men. — Considerable time 
was lost by general Grant, in making a disposition 
for the expected attack, during which delay, a 
corps of cavalry, that had formed the advanced 
guard on the march, took possession of a hill 
between the two roads leading from his position 
to La Fayette's encampment and to Matson's 
Ford. From this elevation, the troops of La 
Fayette were first discovered on their retreat 
through the low, woody, grounds wliich bordered 
the river. Information of this circumstance was 
immediately conveyed to general Grant, and his 
superior proximity to Matson's Ford is said to 
have been urged to him, and even pointed out, 
in the strongest manner; but, under a persuasion 
that these were only a part of La Fayette's troops, 
detached for some unaccountable reason, the 
general persisted in his resolution of advancing 
to Barren Hill, notwithstanding the strong remon- 
strances of sir William Erskine against that mea- 
sure. That post was fortunately concealed from 
view by intervening trees; otherwise, the deser* 
tion of it by the Americans, would have been 
perceived. 



68 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

The British iiaving advanced to Barren Hill 
Church, and found the ground lately occupied by 
La Fayette, abandoned, followed in his rear, and 
appeared at the ford just after the Americans 
had crossed it, as if by enchantment, with all 
their artillery. Finding La Fayette advantageously 
posted on the high and broken grounds which 
arose from the water's edge on the opposite side 
of the river, the British generals perceived that 
nothing further could be attempted against him, 
and returneii to Philadelphia without having ef- 
fected any thing. " The ladies," says Chastelleux, 
" did not see M. De La Fayette, and the generals 
themselves, arrived too late for supper." 

General Grant did not escape censure, for 
having allowed the great advantage he had ac- 
quired, in gaining the rear of the American en- 
campment unperceived, to slip through his hands 
unused. He might, with the utmost certainty, 
have reached Matson's Ford before the marquis, 
and thus have cut off the only retreat which re- 
mained for him. La Fayette would then have 
been compelled to seek for safety, by flying 
towards the Delaware, and the army of Washing- 
ton would have been consequently dismembered. 
Had general Grant pushed forward his troops 
without a halt; — had he, instead of keeping the 
road to Barren Hill, occupied the strong grounds 
at Matson's Ford, or those near to Spring Millsj 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 69 

— the American corps must either have fallen 
into his hands, or been dispersed, and the remain- 
der of the army placed in a situation of extreme 
danger. Had treason been triumphant, — had the 
rapidity of the enemy been more, or the military 
vigilance of La Fayette less, — a calamity would 
have fallen on the American army, which, while 
it deprived it of one of its brightest ornaments, 
would have defeated the operations of the ap- 
proaching campaign, and either left the British 
general in undisturbed possession of the principal 
city of the union, or suffered the invading army 
to retreat, without opposition, through K ew Jer- 
sey. 

The conduct of La Fayette in this affair, was 
not only free from merited censure, but worthy 
of universal admiration: yet it was remarked, that 
the same degree of military talent was not dis- 
covered, in guarding against the approach of dan- 
ger, as in afterwards extricating himself from it. 
But the imputation which generally attaches to 
an officer, who permits an enemy to pass in full 
force unobserved, within a short distance of his 
flank, into his rear, is entirely removed by the 
fact, stated by La Fayette in his vindication, that 
the Pennsylvania militia were posted on his left 
flank, and relied on to guard the roads about 
White Marsh; but that, without his knowledge, 
^ey changed their position, and retired into the 



70 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

rear, leaving that important pass open to the 
enemy; — who, moreover, had positive intelligence 
that these militia did not occupy the post assign- 
ed to them. I'he position he had taken at Barren 
Hill w^as almost impracticable in front and flank, 
and, w^arned by the monitorial voice of Washing- 
ton, he had taken every possible precaution to 
secure it. A corps of observation was posted 
six or eight miles in advance, to watch the move- 
ments of the enemy, who practised every means 
to elude the vigilance of captain M'Lane, but 
without success. — The manner in which the 
young Frenchman outmanoeuvred the experi- 
enced generals of Britain, and extricated himself 
from almost inevitable destruction in the face of 
seven thousand British regulars, produced a lively 
sensation of admiration throughout the armyj and 
his conduct was forever and triumphantly vindi- 
cated by the words of Washington, who applaud- 
ed his '^well timed and masterly retreat.'' 

During the advance of the British, on this oc- 
casion, a laughable incident occurred, which, after 
the lapse of more than forty-six years, has been 
revived among the reminiscences which attend- 
ed the aifecting meeting of La Fayette with the 
venerable colonel Willett of New York. In the 
spring of 1778, the marquis sent to the latter 
officer, then stationed on the frontiers, for fifty 
young Indian warriors. These savages accompa- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 71 

nied him to Barren Hill, and were placed in am- 
buscade, after their fashion, in the woods. Fifty 
En^hsh dragoons, who had never seen any In- 
dians, marching at the head of a column, entered 
the wood where the savages were concealed, 
who, on their part, had never seen dragoons. 
Starting suddenly up, they raised a horrible yell, 
threw down their arms, and escaped by swim- 
ming across the Schuylkill. The dragoons, on 
the other hand, equally astounded and terrified, 
turned about their horses, and did not recover 
their panic till they had got back to Philadelphia.* 
The following notice of the affair at Barren 
Hill, published by the British, after their return 
to Philadelphia, shows the manner in which they 
misrepresented many of the occurences of the 
time: ''Intelligence having been received, last 
Tuesday, that Mr. Washington and his tattered 
retinue, had abandoned their mud-holes, and were 
on their way to Germantown, a detachment of 
British and Hessian troops went out to meet, and 
escort them into this city; but the rebels being 
apprised of their approach, fled back with pre- 
cipitation to what they term their camp, deter- 

* For accounts of the retreat from Barren Hill, vide Marshall's 
Wash. vol. iii, chap. viii. Stedman's Amer. War, vol. i, p. 420. 
Botta's War Independ. vol. ii, book vili. W^ilkinson's Memoirs, 
vol. i, pp. 829-833. Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i, p. 298. 



72 LIFE OF LA PAYETTE. 

mined to act no farther on the offensive, thaa 
might be consistent with their personal safety." 
In the beginning of the year 1778, a general 
joy was diffused throughout the American com- 
munity. The second of May was the day des- 
tined to carry their exultation to its utmost height 
and to put the seal to the dismemberment of the 
vast and powerful British empire. On that day 
arrived, at Casco Bay, the French frigate La Sen- 
sible, which bore to congress the treaties con- 
cluded with France. The marquis De La Fay- 
ette, whose letters to France had no small share 
in producing this happy event, was among the 
first in the American army who received the 
welcome tidings of the treaty. In a transport of 
joy, mingled with tears, he embraced general 
Washington, exclaiming, " the king, my master, 
has acknowledged your independence, and enter- 
ed into an alliance with you, for its establish- 
ment." The joy which spread from breast to 
breast, exceeded description. The name of 
Lewis XVI was in every body's moutli; every 
where, he was proclaimed the protector of liber- 
ty, the defender of America, the saviour of the 
country. The several brigades at Valley Forge 
assembled by order of the commander-in-chief 
Their chaplains offered up thanks to Almighty 
God, and delivered discourses suitable to the oc- 
casion. Afeu-de-joie was fired, and, on a proper 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 73 

signal being given, the air resounded with " long 
live the king of France," poured forth from the 
breast of every private in the armj.^^ 

About the first of June, the three pacificatory 
commissioners from Great Britain, Carlisle, Eden, 
and Johnstone, arrived, with powers to give effect 
to the conciliatory acts of parliament, which had 
been proposed by lord North. The terms offered 
were such as America would, at one time, have 
most joyfully accepted; but that time was now 
passed. The union of the force of the two na- 
tions under one common sovereign, was a mea- 
sure to which the government was no longer 
disposed, nor even at liberty, to accede. A dis- 
tressing war had eradicated all those affections 
which parts of the same empire should feel 
towards each other; the great body of the nation 
was determined, at every sacrifice, to maintain 
its independence; and the treaty with France had 
pledged them, by every principle of honour and 
national faith, never to consent to a re-union with 
the British empire. On reading the letter of the 
commissioners to congress, some observations 
were found to be mingled with them, reflecting 
on the conduct of France. No sooner were they 
heard, than a violent clamour arose, many mem- 
bers exclaiming that the reading ought to be in- 

* Ramsay's llevolution, p. 381. 
K 



74. I-IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

termpted on account of the offensive language 
against his most Christian majesty. The words 
which produced this confusion were the follow- 
ing: "We cannot but remark the insidious inter- 
position of a power, which has, from the first 
settlement of the colonies, been actuated with 
enmity to us both; and notwithstanding the pre- 
tended date, or present form, of the French offers 
to North America, it is notorious that they have 
only been made, because it was believed that 
Great Britain had conceived the design of an 
amicable arrangement, and with a view to pre- 
vent reconciliation, and prolong this destructive 
w^ar." After animated debates, the further con- 
sideration of the subject was adjourned to the 
next sitting; but the question was agitated with 
equal vehemence, on the following day. But, at 
length, congress, having demonstrated by the 
warmth of this discussion the respect they bore 
to their august ally, and reflecting that a refusal 
to notice them might occasion discontents pre- 
judicial to the state, determined to read the de- 
spatches of the commissioners. — But the high- 
minded and ingenuous La Fayette could not 
silently brook the aspersions which were cast 
upon his royal master. Indignant at the duplicity 
of the commissioners, who endeavoured so art- 
fully to weaken the newly-formed connexion 
between France and Americaj he wrote a letter 



X.IFE OF LA FAYETTR 75 

to the earl of Carlisle, as the principal member 
of the commission, complaining of the reflections 
cast upon his country, demanding reparation, and 
challenging that nobleman to meet him in the 
field. The noble lord, however, refused to grant, 
in a national concern, that satisfaction which he 
conceived ought to be exclusively confined to 
personal differences. This affair, however, serv- 
ed to display the spirit and zeal of the young 
marquis for the honour of his country; and it 
was no small addition to the mortification of the 
commissioners, to find themselves the objects of 
animadversion, in a private, as well as public, 
capacity.* This conduct, which, on a common 
occasion, might have been considered as result- 
ing from mere bravado on the part of a young 
officer, was, in the present instance, neither use- 
less nor liable to that imputation. The Ameri- 
cans were not yet acquainted with the character 
of the French. They had been accustomed, 
from the prejudices of education, to consider 
them as less brave than the English, and it was 
useful to convince them that a Frenchman of 
high rank was not afraid to measure his strength 
with that of an Englishman, Resides, it in some 

■■'Marshall's Washington, vol. lii, p. 534. — Botta's War Inde- 
pendence, vol. ii, p. 501-2. — Andrew's American War, vol. iii, p, 
161.— Hist of France, vol. iii, p. IZfj.— Not. Bio^r. sur le Qeo,. 
Fayette, p. 5. 



76 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

measure, diminished tlie consequence of the 
commissioners, in the opinion of the people, and 
gave them a high idea of the courage and attach- 
ment of their new aUies. This action, in fact, 
greatly increased his popularity; and the most 
judicious men attributed it wholly to the ardour 
of a young hero, inflamed with the desire of gain- 
ing distinction, by avenging the cause of his in- 
jured country. It cannot be denied that the earl 
of Carhsle acted, as a commissioner, with pro- 
priety in refusing the challenge; but at the same 
time the marquis De La Fayette obtained bene- 
ficial results by sending it. 

These commissioners having brought positive 
and secret orders for the immediate evacuation 
of Philadelphia, sir Henry Clinton, who had suc- 
ceeded lord Howe in the command of the British 
army, prepared to execute the orders of his go- 
vernment. On the eighteenth of June, 1778, 
the whole army passed the Delaware, and en- 
camped at Gloucester Point on the Jersey shore. 
Clinton pursued his retreat slowly, passing 
through Haddonfield, Mount Holly, Slabtown, 
and Cross wick, to xiUentow^n and Imlaytown, 
which places he reached on the twenty fourth. 
He betrayed no symptoms of precipitation, but 
rather indicated a disposition for battle. 

Before Clinton left Philadelphia, general \> ash- 
ington had penetrated his design; and general 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 77 

Maxwell, with the Jersey brigade, was ordered 
over the Delaware to take post about Mount Mol- 
ly, and to join major-general Dickenson, who was 
beginning to assemble the militia of that state, 
for the purpose of co-operating with the conti- 
nental troops, in breaking up the bridges, falling 
trees in the roads, and otherwise embarrassing 
the march of the enemy. When authentic intel- 
ligence was received that the enemy had crossed 
the Delaware, a council of war was summoned 
to deliberate on the proper measures to be pur- 
sued. General Washington submitted to their 
deliberations whether it was proper, by harassing 
the enemy's rear, to annoy him as much as pos- 
sible, without, however, coming to a geneial en- 
gagement; or whether it was more advisable to 
attack him in front, and try the fortune of a de- 
cisive battle. A great diversity of opinion pre- 
vailed. General Lee, who had lately been ex- 
changed for Prescott, ahd whose military experi- 
ence gave great weight to his opinions, was 
vehement against risking either a general or par- 
tial engagement. He maintained that, with the 
equality of force that existed, it would be " cri- 
minal" to hazard an action; — that it would be 
impossible to bring on a partial engagement, 
without the risk of its being made general, if 
such should be the choice of the enemy; — and 
that a general action ought not to be fought, un- 



78 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

less the advantage was manifestly on the Ameri- 
can side. Be was also of opinion, that the 
superiority of the enemy in point of discipline 
was such, that the issue of an engagement would 
almost certainly be unfavour ible; and that they 
ought to be content with following the enemy, 
observing his motions, and preventing him from 
ravaging the country. General Du Portail, the 
baron De Steuben, and most of the foreign offi- 
cers, maintained the same opinions, and thought 
that an action ought carefully to be avoided. The 
American officers appear to have been influenced 
by the counsels of the Europeans; for, of seven- 
teen generals, only Wayne and Cadwalader were 
decidedly in favour of attacking the enemy. Ge- 
neral La Fayette, however, without openly em- 
bracing it, appeared inclined to that opinion; and 
general Greene was also disposed to hazard more 
than the opinions of the majority would sanction. 
They were, in fact, the only two members of the 
board wiio expressed the opinions which appear 
afterwards to have influenced the conduct of the 
commander-in-chief. They maintained that the 
country ought to be protected at all risks, and if 
it should prove necessary to that object, that duty 
enjoined them to hazard a battle; and that, if a 
favourable opportunity was afforded of attacking 
the enemy with effect, it ought not to be avoided; 
— in other words, that it was impossible to antici- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTB. 79 

pate a decision. They could not bring their 
minds to endure the idea, that the enemy should 
retire, with impunity, during so long a march, 
and they believed that they had every thing to 
expect from soldiers, whose constancy had re- 
mained unsubdued by the rigour of the seasons, 
and the scarcity of every thing most necessary 
to life. They reflected, moreover, that the En- 
gUsh army was embarrassed with the most cum- 
bersome baggage, and they did not doubt thatj 
in the numerous defiles it would be compelled to 
thread, some favourable occasion would offer to 
attack with advantage. Nevertheless, the voice 
of the majority prevailed, not without evident 
dissatisfaction on the part of Washington, who 
remained steadfast in the opinion which he had 
formed. 

On the same day that the British abandoned 
Philadelphia, the American commander moved 
from Valley Forge, and crossing the river at 
Coryell's ferry, on the twenty-second, took post 
at Hopewell. Sir Henry Clinton was now en- 
camped at and around Allentown; and the main 
body of the American army was about five miles 
from Princeton. Notwithstanding the almost 
concurrent opinion of the general officers against 
risking an action, the Fabius of America, who, 
with a mind of uncommon firmness, combined 
an enterprising, as well as cautious, temper, in- 



80 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

diilged an anxious desire to adopt that measure, 
lie, therefore, again assembled his general offi- 
cers, and once more submitted to them the situ- 
ation of the two armies. The same opinion re- 
specting a general battle, that had been given the 
day before the movement from Valley Forge, was 
repeated; and the proposition was peremptorily 
and decidedly negatived. General Washington, 
however, still retained his inclination to engage 
the enemy, and finding himself supported by the 
private wishes of some officers whom he highly 
valued, he determined to take his measures on 
his own responsibility, and without calling another 
council. x\s soon as he discovered that the ene- 
my were on their march towards Monmouth 
Court House, (not more than twelve miles from 
the heights of Middletown,) he determined that 
they should not escape without a blow. Major- 
general Dickenson with the Jersey militia, con- 
sisting of about one thousand men, and a brigade 
of continental troops commanded by Maxwell, 
now hung on their left flank towards the rear of 
the enemy: general Cadwalader, with Jackson's 
I'egiment, and a very few militia, was entirely in 
their rear; and colonel Morgan, with his regiment 
of six hundred men, was on their right. In pur- 
suance of the opinion of the last military coun- 
cil, a detachmient of fifteen hundred men, under 
brigadier-general Scott, had also been marched 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. gl 

to the lines. — General Washington, having form- 
ed l)is decision, despatched general Wayne with 
a further detachment of one thousand select men 
to reinforce general Cadwalader. As the conti- 
nental troops now in front of the main army 
amounted, at least, to four thousand men, and as 
the simultaneous action of the several detach- 
ments was of extreme iniportance, he deemed 
it proper to employ a major-general to collect 
and command them. This tour of duty, major- 
general Lee had a right to claim: but, as he was 
openly and strongly a9:;ainst hazarding even a 
partial engagement, and expected that nothing 
further would be attempted than merely to re- 
connoitre the enemy, and restrain plundering par- 
ties, he showed no disposition to assert his claim, 
and very reac'ily assenting to the private wishes 
of general Washington, that the command should 
be given to an officer whose views of the service 
comported more with his own, he yielded this 
important tour of duty to the marquis i)e La 
Fayette, lie was ordered to proceed immedi- 
ately with the detachment, and to form a junc- 
tion, as expeditiously as possible, with that under 
general Scott; to use the most effectual means 
for gaining the enemy's left flank and rear, and 
giving them every degree of annoyance. All the 
continental parties on the line were placed under 
bis command, and he was directed to take such 



S2 T^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

measures as would most impede the march of 
the enemy, and occasion them the greatest loss: 
for these pui poses, he was to attack them as oc- 
casion might require by detachment, and, if a 
proper opening should be given, to act against 
them with his whole force. A letter was, at the 
same time, addressed to general Dickenson, plac- 
ing the militia under the orders of La Fayette. 

The marquis was young, generous, and brave; 
but notwithstanding his fiigh qualifications, it was 
certainly an important trust to be confided to the 
captivating foreigner. Nothing is more dangerous 
than to hang, with an inferior force, upon a gal- 
lant enemy, never disinclined to draw his sword, 
and watchful to seize every advantage within his 
reach. But the discrimination of Washington 
was well justified by his conduct, not only on this 
occasion, but throua:hout the whole course of the 
war. — The dispositions that he had made, and 
the orders which he had given, manifest very 
conchisively the intention and wish of the com- 
mander-in-chief They could hardly fail to bring 
on an engagement. Wayne had openly espoused 
that measure, and Fayette, although he partially 
joined, in council, in the opinion against seeking 
a general action, had been in favour of a partial 
one; and would, therefore, if any proper occasion 
offered, certainly attack with his whole force, 
which would as certainly produce such measures 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. S3 

on the part of the enemy, as would ren^^er it 
proper to support him with the whole army. He 
was accompanied, too, by colonel Hamilton, who 
felt the strongest desire to signalise the detach- 
ment, and to accomplish all the wishes of the 
commander-in-chief. — Immediately after sending 
this additional body of troops, the whole army 
moved to Cranbei-ry, in order to be sufficiently 
near to support them. The advanced corps un- 
der La Fayette pressed forward, and took a posi- 
tion on the Monmouth road, about five miles in 
the rear of the enemy, with the intention of at- 
tacking them the next morning on their inarch; 
but it was found too remote, and too far on the 
right, to be supported in case of action, and or- 
ders were consequently sent to the marquis, to 
file off" by his left towards Englishtown. These 
orders were executed early in the morning of 
the twenty-seventh of June. 

ISo sooner had La Fayette marched towards 
the lines, than general See began to regret his 
resignation of the command of the advanced par- 
ty. He perceived tliat, in the opinion of all the 
general officers, a greater importance was attach- 
ed to this command than he had allowed it; and 
that his reputation was in danger of being some- 
what impaired, by connecting his strenuous op- 
position to even a partial action, with his after- 
wards declining the command of a very strong 



84 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

detachment, which, it was expected, would fall 
in with, and engage, the rear of the enemy. He 
now, tfierefore, solicited very earnestly for the 
command which he had before declined. To 
relieve the feelings of Lee, without wounding 
those of La Fayette, general Washington detach- 
ed him with two other brigades, to Eoglishtown, 
to support the marquis. As senior officer, he 
would of course have the direction of the whole 
front division, which would now amount to five 
thousand men; but it was expressly stipulated, 
that if any enterprise had been already formed 
by La Fayette, it should be proceeded with, in 
like manner as if the commanding officer had 
not been changed. To this condition Lee acceded, 
and with two additional brigades, joined the front 
division of the army, now encamped at Finglish- 
town. The whole van guard was placed under 
his command, leaving to La Fayette only that of 
the militia and lighthorse. The main army 
moved forward about three miles in his rear; 
Morgan's corps still hovered on the right flank 
of the British; and general Dickenson on their 
left* 

Sir Henry Clinton had taken a very strong po- 
sition on the heights of Freehold, having his right 
flank in the skirt of a small wood, while his left 

* Marshall's Washingtorij vol.iii, ch. 8. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 85 

was secured by a very thick one, and a morass 
iiinning towards his rear: his whole front was also 
covered by a wood, and, for a considerable dis- 
tance towards his left, by a morass. Descending 
from these heights towards Monmouth, there 
was a deep valley, three miles in length and one 
in breadth, broken with hills, woods, and mo- 
rasses. — General Washington, finding this posi- 
tion unassailable, and knowing that it would be 
impossible to attempt any thing with a prospect 
of success if the enemy should reach the high 
grounds of Middletown, determined to attack 
their rear the moment they should move from 
the ground. This determination was immedi- 
ately communicated to general Lee, and corres- 
ponding orders were also given to the rear divi- 
sion of the army. 

In the meantime, Clinton, seeing the enemy 
so near, and a battle inevitable, withdrew all his 
baga;age from the rear, and passed it into the 
charge of the van, commanded by general Knyp- 
hausen, so that, while he endeavoured with the 
rear guard to keep the Americans in check, it 
might be conducted to a place of safety upon the 
hills of Middletown: he, therefore, retained in 
his encampment at Freehold, several battalions 
of English infantry, both heavy and light, the 
Hessian grenadiers, and a regiment of cavalry; 
while Knyphausen, at daybreak on the morningj, 



so 1-IF£^ OF LA FAYETTE. 

of the twenty-eighth of June, descended into th@ 
valley with his convoy on his way toward Mid- 
dietown. About eight o'clock, Clinton also de- 
scended from the heights of Freehold, and took 
up his line of march in the rear of the front 
division. Washington, being promptly informed 
of all his motions, and apprehensive that the En- 
glish would succeed in posting themselves in the 
mountains of Middletown, the distance being 
only a few miles, in which case it would have 
been impracticable to interrupt their retreat to 
New Tork, despatched orders to general Lee to 
move on and attack the rear, " unless there should 
be powerful reasons to the contrary;" while Mor- 
gan and Dickenson were directed to descend into 
the valley upon the enemy's flanks, in order to 
attempt the column of Knyphausen, encumbered 
with its long train of carriages and pack horses. 
Lee, having made the necessary dispositions to 
effect these orders, appeared on the heights of 
Freehold soon after the enemy had left them, 
and following the British into the plain, gave di- 
rections to general Wayne, to attack their cover- 
ing party in the rear so as to halt them. In the 
meantime, he proposed to gain their front by a 
shorter road on their left, and entirely intercept- 
ing their communication with the line, to bear 
them off before they could be assisted. Before 
this plan was executed, sir Henry Clinton had 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 87 

disnersed the militia under Dickenson, which in- 
fested his left flank, and perceiving that the Ame- 
ricans were descending with impetuosity to attack 
him, while Knyphausen, with the baggage, was 
exposed to the greatest peril in the deliles which 
continued several miles, instantly took the only 
resolution that could extricate him from the em- 
barrassments of his position. He determined to 
turn upon the Americans who menaced his rear, 
and to charge them with the utmost vigour, hop- 
ing to throw them into disorder by an unexpected 
attack, and thus compel them to recall to their 
succour the corps they had detached to intercept 
the baggage. Thus the English rear guard, com- 
manded by Cornwallis and Clinton in person, and 
the American van guard, conducted by general 
Lee and the marquis De La Fayette, advanced 
against each other, with a firm resolution to 
engage. The artillery began to play, and the 
queen's dragoons charged and routed the light- 
horse of La Fayette. General Lee soon per- 
ceived himself to have been mistaken in the force 
which formed the rear of the British, and was 
also compelled to form his troops upon unfavour- 
able ground, having behind him a ravine, which 
rendered his retreat extremely difficult in case 
of check, and which necessarily would impede 
the arrival of reinforcements to his aid. This 
was about ten o'clock; and while both armies were 



88 a.IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

executing their preparatory manoeuvres for ae- 
tion, general 8cott, mistaking an oblique march 
of an American column for a retreat, and appre- 
hensive of being abandoned, left his position and 
repassed the ravine in his rear. Lee, knowing 
the unfavourable position of his troops, directed 
the whole detachment to regain the heights they 
had passed. This country abounds with defiles 
of a peculiar sort: the valleys are cut by small 
rivulets with marshy grounds, difficult to man 
and horse, and impossible to artillery, except in 
particular spots. Persevering in his decision to 
join, rather than recall, Scott, he continued to re- 
tire. During this retrograde movement some 
slight skirmishing ensued, in which very little 
damage was done on either side. 

When the first firing announced the commence- 
ment of the action, the rear of the army threw 
off their packs, and advanced rapidly to the sup- 
port of the front. Meantime the enemy had pur- 
sued Lee across the ravine, and pressed him hard 
before he had time to rally. In this critical mo- 
ment, Washington arrived. As he approached 
the scene of action, he rode forward in total ig- 
norance of Lee's retreat; and about noon, to his 
great astonishment and mortification, met the 
advanced corps retiring before the enemy, with- 
out having made a single effort to maintain their 
ground. Those whom he first fell in with, neither 



LIFE OF LA PAYETTE. g^ 

tinderstood the motives which had governed ge- 
neral Lee, nor his present design; and could give 
no other information than that by his orders they 
had fled without fighting. ^ — General Washington 
rode to the rear of the division, which he found 
closely pressed. He then met general Lee, to 
whom he spoke in terms of some warmth, im- 
plying disapprobation of his conduct. General 
Lee, instead of entering into that full explanation, 
which his own honour, duty to his superior, and 
the good of his country, demanded, took offence 
at the manner in which he had been accosted, 
and replied unbecomingly. Such conduct, in an 
inferior officer, could not be brooked, and met, 
as it merited, marked disapprobation. In fact, 
the deviation of Lee from his instructions might 
have produced the most fatal effects. 

It was now necessary, without delay, to arrest, 
for a few moments, the impetuosity of the En- 
glish, in order to give time for all the corps of 
the rear guard to come up. The commander-in- 
chief, accordingly, ordered the regiments com- 
manded by colonel Stewart and lieutenant-colonel 
Ramsay, to occupy an important post on the left, 
behind a tuft of wood, and there to sustain the 
first efforts of the enemy. General Lee was di- 
rected to take proper measures, with the residue 
of his force, to stop the British column on that 
ground, and the commander-in-chief rode back 

M 



90 l^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

himself to arrange the rear division of the army. 
Stung by the reproaches of his general, and 
stimulated by the point of honour, general Lee 
made extreme exertions to rally his troops, and 
disposed them on advantageous ground, where 
they defended themselves valiantly. But, at 
length, overpowered by numbers, he, as well as 
Stewart and Ramsay, were compelled to fall back. 
Lee, however, brought off his troops in good or- 
der, and was directed to form in the rear, while 
the army moved on to battle. The check given 
by him to the enemy, afforded time to dispose 
the left wing and second line, to which La Fay- 
ette was now attached, of the American army, 
partly in a neighbouring wood, and partly upon 
a hill situated on the left, from which some pie- 
ces of cannon, which lord Stirling had planted 
there, severely annoyed the enemy, and, with the 
aid of several parties of infantry, effectually put 
a stop to their advance. General Greene, who 
commanded the right wing, now took a very ad- 
vantageous position on the right, and posted his 
artillery upon a lofty eminence, whence it cruelly 
infested the left wing of the enemy. 

Finding themselves thus arrested, and so warm- 
ly opposed in front, the British attempted to turn 
the left flank of the Americans, but they were 
repulsed by the light infantry detached for that 
purpose. They then directed their efforts against 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 91 

Washington's right, which they endeavoured to 
surround; but overwhelmed by the artillery of 
Greene, they were soon compelled to retreat. 
At this moment, general Wayne was advanced 
with a body of infantry to engage them in front, 
who kept up so hot and well-directed a fire of 
musketry, that they drove the enemy behind the 
ravine, on the ground where the first halt had 
been made, and where the action had commenced 
immediately after the arrival of general Washing- 
ton. — ^Victory was no longer doubtful; but the 
new position of the English was still formidable. 
Their flanks were covered by thick woods and 
deep morasses, while their front could only be 
reached through a narrow pass. Is otwithstand- 
ing the fatigue of the troops, from the intense 
heat of the day, and the difficulty with which the 
enemy could be approached, general Washington, 
resolved to renew tlie engagement, and ordered 
general Poor to charge them upon the right, and 
general Woodfort on the left, while the artillery 
should play on them in front. Eoth exerted 
themselves with alacrity to obey these orders, 
and to surmount the obstacles which defended the 
flanks of the British army; but the ground was 
so broken and difficult, that night came on before 
they had been able to obtain any advantage. The 
action soon ceased throughout the line, general 
Washington thinking it advisable to defer further 



9B LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

operations until the next morning. The troops 
lay on their arms in the field of battle. But the 
thouglits of Clinton were very differently em- 
ployed. His van guard and his baggage were 
already arrived safely on the heights near Mid- 
dletown, and he resolved to follow them. Ac- 
cordingly, about midnight, he marched away, with 
so profound a silence, that general Poor, although 
he lay very near, and was attentive to observe 
him, did not perceive his retreat.— Washington, 
being perfectly certain, from the distance which 
the enemy had already gained on him daring the 
night, that they would reach the high grounds of 
Middletown before it would be practicable to 
overtake them, and knowing that that position 
could not be attacked with advantage, as the face 
of the country afforded no prospect of opposing 
their embarkation, thought it advisable to relin- 
quish the pursuit. 

It must be admitted, on this occasion, although 
it was not decisive, nor capable of improvement, 
that the palm of victory clearly belonged to 
Washington. In the early part of the day, the 
advantage was certainly with the British; in the 
latter it was, with equal certainty, with the Ame- 
ricans. I'hey maintained their ground, repulsed 
the enemy by whom they were attacked, slept 
on the field of battle, were prevented only by the 
night and the retreat of Clinton, from renewing 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 93 

the action, and suffered less, in killed and wound- 
ed, tlian their adversaries. In his official letter, 
sir Henry Clinton stated his dead and missing at 
four officers and one hundred and eighty-four 
privates; and his wounded at sixteen officers, and 
one hundred and fifty-four privates. But the 
" stubborn fact" of burying the dead, manifests a 
great error in the official report of sir Henry 
Clinton. Four officers, and two hundred and 
forty-five privates were buried on the field by 
persons appointed for that purpose; and some 
few were afterwards found and buried, so as to 
increase the number to nearly three hundred. 
The loss of the Americans was eight officers, and 
sixty-one privates, killed, and about one hundred 
and sixty wounded.— Without doubt, Clinton, 
who claimed the victory, obtained his object, — 
security from further molestation, and the com- 
pletion of his retreat. This, however, was not 
effected in the usual style of conquerors, but by 
decamping in the night, and seeking safety, near 
the place of embarkation, in a position secure 
from assault. Congress was highly gratified with 
the success which attended their arms at the bat- 
tle of Monmouth. On the seventh of July, a 
resolution was unanimously passed, presenting 
their thanks to general Washington, and to the 
officers and men under his command, who dis- 
tinguished themselves by their conduct and va^ 



94 3L1FE OF LA FAYETTE. 

lour in the battle. — In this severe action, which 
terminated in a manner calculated to make a 
general impression favourable to the reputation 
of the American arms, general La Fayette dis- 
played the utmost coolness and skill, and partici- 
pated largely in the toils and dangers of the day. 
The venerable colonel S\ illett, of New York, in 
a letter written immediately after the action, in 
which he was personally engaged, makes the fol- 
lowing remarks relative to the youthful hero: '• I 
have been charmed with the blooming gallantry, 
and sagacity, of the marquis De La layette, who 
appears to be possessed of every requisite to 
constitute a great general:" colonel Willett was a 
volunteer aid to general Scott of Virginia, who 
commanded the light infantry, and in the com- 
mencement of the action, under the immediate 
orders of general La Fayette: hence, he enjoyed 
a favourable opportunity of obseiTing and appre- 
ciating his conduct.* 

The following extract from the " Historical 
Anecdotes of the Reign of Louis XVI," affords 
an epitome of the humanity and gallantry of the 

* For accounts of the battle of Monmouth, &c. vide Marshall's 
Washington, vol. iii, chap. 8. — Andrews' A.mer. War, vol. iii, p. 

112 H. Lee's Memoirs, vol. i, p. 58. — Johnson's Life Greene^ 

vol. i, p. 103. — Botta's War Independ. vol. ii, book x. — Ramsay's 
Revolution, p. 379 — 381. — Stedman's American War, vol. ii, ch. 
23.— Mem. Histor. sur La Fayette, p. 6. 



LIFE OF LA PAYETTE. 95 

Hiarquis: During the American War, a general 
officer in the service of the United States, ad- 
vanced, with a score of men, under the English 
batteries, to reconnoitre tfieir position. His aid- 
de-camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side. The 
officers and orderly dragoons fled precipitately. 
The general, though under the fire of the cannon^ 
approached the wounded man to see whether he 
had any signs of life remaining, or whether any 
assistance could be aflbrded him. Finding the 
wound had been mortal, he turned his eyes away 
with emotion, and slowly rejoined the group, 
which had got out of the reach of the pieces. 
This instance of courage and humanity took 
place at the battle of Monmouth. General Clin- 
ton, who commanded the Englisli troops, knew 
that the marquis De La Fayette generally rode a 
white horse; and it was upon a white horse that 
the general officer, who retired so slowly, was 
mounted. Clinton commanded the gunners not 
to fire. This noble forbearance probably saved 
general La Fayette's life, for it was he himself 
At that time he was but twenty -two years of age. 
Not long after the battle of Monmouth, gene- 
ral La Fayette was again selected for active ser- 
vice, and, on the twenty-first of July, was detach- 
ed, with two brigades, to join general Sullivan, 
who had been appointed, in the preceding winter, 
to the command of the troops in Rhode Island. 



96 LIFE OF LA FAYETTK. 

Count d'Estaing having relinquished the medi- 
tated attack on the British fleet in the harbour of 
^ew York, in coosequence of the impracticability 
of passing the bar at San :ly Hook, an enterprize 
against the enemy at Rhode Island was concerted, 
by the combined forces of America and France. 
On the twenty-fifth of July, the French fleet ar- 
rived at Newport; and in the meantime, directions 
were given to general Sullivan, to call on the 
New England states to furnish, immediately, 
their quotas of militia; and to prepare magazines; 
to collect the boats necessary for a descent; to 
engage the best pilots; and to make himself per- 
fectly master of the situation and strength of the 
enemy. General Greene was ordered, without 
delay, to Hhode Island, of which state he was a 
native, and where lie possessed great influence, 
for the purpose of commanding under Sullivan. 
General Pigot, vfho commanded in Rhode Is- 
land, had received considerable reinforcements 
from New York, and the garrison now amounted 
to about six thousand effectives. The main body 
lay in Newport, which was strongly defended, and 
some small detachments occupied other works 
thrown up at the north end of the island, to pre- 
vent a descent from the adjacent continent. The 
American army lay on the main, about the town 
of Providence. 



iLIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 9^ 

Soon after the arrival of D'Estaing, general 
Sullivan went on board the fleet, to concert a plan 
of operations for the allied forces. It was deter- 
mined that their arms should be directed, as soon 
as possible, against Kewport. According to the 
plan of attack, the fleet was to enter the harbour, 
and land the French troops on the west side of 
the island, while the Americans, at the same 
time, landed on the opposite coast, under cover 
of the guns of a frigate. Thus they would be 
within the works which had been erected on the 
north end of the island for the purpose of pre- 
venting a descent from the continent. To be in 
readiness for the execution of this plan, general 
Greene marched with a detachment of continen- 
tal and state troops, and some militia, to Tiverton, 
which lies on the east side of the East Channel: 
but considerable delay was occasioned by the 
slow arrival of the reinforcements of militia, 
which were deemed essential to the security of 
the enterprise; but as the militia of Massachu- 
setts and New Hampshire, who were principally 
volunteers, approached, Sullivan joined general 
Greene at Tiverton, and it was agreed that the 
fleet should enter the main channel immediately, 
and that the descent should be made the succeed- 
ing day. 

Accordingly, on the eighth of August, all the 
preparations being completed, and the wind fa- 



08 LIFte OF LA FAYETTE. 

vourable. the French squadron entered the har- 
hour of Newport, and coasting the town, dis- 
charged their broadsides into it, and received the 
fire of the batteries on shore: but little execution 
was done on either side.— The militia not arriv- 
ing precisely at the time they were expected, 
Sullivan communicated to the French admiral the 
necessity of postponing the attack yet another 
day; but, finding, next morning, that the British 
troops on the north end of the island had been 
recalled during the night, and fearful that they 
would return to them, he determined to take im- 
mediate possession of the works which had been 
abandoned. In conformity with this resolution, 
the whole army crossed the Sea-connet passage, 
at Howland's Ferry, on the ninth of August, and 
landed on the north end of Rhode Island. 

On receiving information of this movement, 
D'Estaing highly resented the indelicacy supposed 
to have been committed by Sullivan, in landing 
before the French, and without consulting him. 
In addition to this cause of discontent, some pre- 
vious difficulties, on subjects of mere punctilio, 
had been created. The count D'Estaing was a 
land, as well as sea, officer, and held the rank of 
lieutenant-general in the French service. Hulli- 
van, being only a major-general, he had endea- 
voured to avoid a misunderstanding on this deli- 
cate point, by agreeing, in the first conference, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 99 

that the Americans should land first, and after- 
wards the French, to be commanded by D'Estaing 
in person. Either his own reflections, or the 
suggestions of others, afterwards made the count 
dissatisfied with this arrangement, and he insisted 
that the descent should be made on both sides of 
the island precisely at the same moment, and 
that one wing of the American army should be 
attached to the French, and land with tliem. He 
also declined the command in person, but re- 
quested that La Fayette should take charge of 
the French troops, as well as of the Americans 
attached to them.— The conduct of D'Estaing, on 
this occasion, was captious and assuming. As 
the command of the combined forces had been 
tendered to him, he ought to have accepted it, or 
not insisted on dictating with respect to that of 
the right wing. Although the high standing, un- 
bounded popularity, and real merit, of the mar- 
quis I)e La Fayette, made every one willing to 
concede what he could with honour, yet D'Es- 
taing's punctilious pretensions ought to have 
made him respect the rights and feelings of 
others. All conceded the propriety of delegat- 
ing the command of the French troops to La 
Fayette; but when D'Estaing insisted that an en- 
tire division of the American army should act 
with them, and the command of the whole be 
given to the marquis, he certainly carried his 



iOO l^I^E OF LA FAYETTE. 

pretensions too far for one who had declined the 
chief command. At length, the French admiral 
was, with difficulty, prevailed on to consent that 
his demand should be reduced from one wing of 
the American army, to one thousand militia. — 
When, afterwards, general Sullivan crossed over 
to the island before the time to which he had 
himself postponed the descent, and without giv- 
ing previous notice to the count of this move- 
ment, some suspicions were excited that the 
measure was taken with other views than those 
which were assigned. The French admiral was 
so much offended that he refused to answer Sul- 
livan's letter: the day which ought to have been 
appropriated to action, was passed in discussion; 
and this delicate and magnified point probably 
proved, in the end, the destruction of the whole 
expedition. 

After reaching the island, general Sullivan 
hoped that the attack would be no longer delayed, 
when, on the same day, the squadron of lord 
Howe appeared, which after communicating with 
general Pigot, came to an anchor off Point Judith. 
After a careful examination of the position of the 
French ships, the British admiral concluded, from 
various concurring causes, that he could enter- 
tain no hope of succouring the town. From the 
same causes, if the French admiral had been dis- 
posed to persist in the concerted plan of attack. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 101 

and had not abandoned his station until he had 
afforded to general Sullivan all the co-operation 
in his power, there is good reason to believe that 
the town of Newport would have fallen into the 
hands of the allies. But the count D'Estaing, 
full of ardour and impatience, took advantage of 
a favourable change of wind to sail out of the 
harbour, in order to attack the enemy. Previ- 
ously to his leaving port, he informed general 
Sullivan that, on his return, he would land his 
men as that officer should advise. Having stood 
out to sea, with the advantage of the weather- 
gage, which lord Howe did not think it prudent 
to concede, the whole day was spent in manceu- 
vering. On the succeeding day, when on the point 
of engaging, the two fleets were separated and 
dispersed by a violent tempest, which lasted forty- 
eight hours, and rendered them both unfit for 
action. The British squadron returned to New 
York, for the purpose of refitting; and the French 
regained the harbour of Newport. 

In the meantime the militia had joined the ar- 
my of Sullivan, which now amounted to ten thou- 
sand men. But general La Fayette objected to 
the commencement of any operations befoi'e the 
return of D'Estaing. He argued, that if mea- 
sures were taken against the enemy without his 
co-operation, he would once more feel himself 
aggrieved; and tlierefore advised that the army 



10^ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

should be advanced to a position in the neigh- 
bourhood of Newport, but not break ground until 
the count should be in readiness to act in concert 
with them. Although it was extremely desirable 
to avoid whatever might give offence to the ally 
oh whose assistance so much depended, yet lime 
was considered of so much importance to an 
army which could not be long kept together, that 
this advice was over-ruled, and it was determined 
to open the trenches, and commence the siege 
immediately. 

After surmounting the obstacles created by bad 
weather, and delay in the arrival of his stores 
and artillery, general Sullivan moved towards the 
lines, and encamped within two or three miles 
of the town of Newport. The succeeding morn- 
ing, being the fifteenth of August, the siege was 
commenced, and continued, without any material 
circumstance, for several days. But the abandon- 
ment of D'Estaing had placed the American army 
in a very critical situation, because reinforcements 
might now be thrown, without interruption, into 
Newport, and not only defeat the enterprise, but 
render their retreat dangerous. On the evening 
of the nineteenth, their anxieties were momen- 
tarily relieved by the reappearance of the fleet. 

The French admiral, however, immediately 
crushed the flattering hopes of the army, by com- 
municating to general Sullivan his intention, in 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. jQg 

pursuance of orders from the king, and with the 
advice of all his officers, of taking the fleet to 
Boston to refit. Success without the aid of the 
fleet, could not be hoped for; and the Americans 
had counted, with almost absolute certainty, on 
a brilliant termination of the enterprise. General 
Sullivan, reduced almost to despair by this deter- 
mination, added entreaties to remonstrances, in 
order to dissuade D'Estaing from so fatal a mea- 
sure. The marquis [)e La Fayette and general 
Greene were directed to wait on him, with a let- 
ter from general Sullivan, remonstrating against 
the resolution he had formed, and to exert their 
utmost endeavours to induce him to change it 
They, accordingly, besought him not to abandon 
the interests of the common cause; they repre- 
sented to him the importance to France, as well 
as to America, of the enterprise commenced; 
they urged the certainty of carrying the garrison, 
if he would only co-operate with them for two 
days; that it could not be relinquished in its pre- 
sent stage without casting shame and reproach 
on the French and American arms, because the 
latter, confiding in the promised co-operation of 
the French fleet, had undertaken it with alacrity, 
and made incredible exertions to provide the re- 
quisite stores; that to be deserted in so critical a 
moment would have a very pernicious influence 
on the minds of the American people, and afford 



104 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

a triumph to the disaffected, who would not faii 
to exclaim against French faith, and animadvert 
on the fruit of such an alliance. They also urged 
the danger of carrying the fleet, in its present 
shattered condition, through the difficult naviga- 
tion over the shoals of Nantucket; that it could 
be repaired more conveniently at Newport than 
at Boston; and that its present station afforded 
advantages over the harbour of Boston for dis- 
tressing the enemy. Finally, they entreated the 
admiral, if any personal indiscretions had appear- 
ed in conducting the expedition not to permit 
them to operate to the prejudice of the common 
cause. All was fruitless. The count continued 
immoveable in the determination he had formed, 
and, on the twenty-second of August, set saU for 
Boston. 

It was the opinion of Greene and La Fayette, 
that the principal officers on board the fleet were 
the enemies of D'Estaing, who, as a landsman, 
was unpopular among them as commandant in 
the navy. They, therefore determined to thwart 
his measures, and prevent his achieving any bril- 
liant exploit that might redound to his reputation. 
Hence, being unable, according to his instructions, 
to act in opposition to their unanimous opinion, 
he sailed from the island, although he would not 
otherwise have probably remained deaf to the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 105 

arguments, and inexorable to the solicitations, of 
the commissioners. 

^hen C:ireene and La Fayette returned to the 
army, universal indignation and dismay were ex- 
cited; and the desertion of the French made a 
violent impression, and created loud clamours, 
throughout America. Sullivan, chagrined beyond 
measure, made yet another effort to retain the 
jfleet, by despatching lieutenant-colonel Laurens, 
in a swift privateer, to overtake the fleet, and de- 
liver a letter to D'Estaing, remonstrating against 
his witlidrav^ng from the enterprise, and pressing 
him, in any event, to leave his land forces. He 
was also charged with a protest, signed by all the 
general officers of the American army in Rhode 
Island, except the marquis De La Fayette, re- 
monstrating against his departure in terms of 
great earnestness. D'Estaing was much displeas- 
ed with the protest, and continued his voyage to 
Boston. 

Sullivan now saw the fair prospect of acquiring 
distinction, and of rendering service to his coun- 
try, escape from his grasp, by the desertion of 
his allies. The militia, who with so much zeal 
had hastened to join him, almost entirely dis- 
banded, and the number of his army was reduced, 
in a short time, from nearly ten thousand men 
to about half that number, while the force of the 
enemy consisted of six thousand veterans. It wasi. 



106 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

therefore, determined to raise the siege of New- 
port, and to retire to the north end of the island, 
there to wait for events. He was thus anxious 
to hold the gound which he had gained, in the 
hope that D'Estaing might yet return in time to 
accomplish the object of the expedition. To en- 
deavour to prevail on him to adopt this course, 
generals Hancock and La Fayette set out for 
Boston; — the former to expedite the repairs of 
the vessel, and the latter to use the influence 
wliich his high rank and character gave him with 
the admiral.— 'The camp before Newport was 
broken up in great silence, in the night, and the 
army retired unobserved towards the works on 
the north end of the island. Early on the morn- 
ing of the twenty-ninth, the retreat was discover- 
ed by the enemy, who immediately followed in 
two columns. A very warm action ensued, in 
which the English were repulsed with admirable 
resolution. The next day a cannonade was kept 
up by both parties, but neither thought proper to 
attack the other: the British were waiting for the 
reinforcements expected from New York, and 
Sullivan had determined to ^vithdraw his ti-oops 
from the island. The American general, having 
received certain information that a large body of 
troops had sailed from New York for the relief 
of Newport, crossed over his whole army to the 
main land, on the night of the thirtieth, without 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 107 

having created in the enemy, such were the ju- 
dicious measures which he had taken, the slight- 
est suspicion that he had contemplated the move- 
ment which was now completed. — Never was 
there a more fortunate retreat. The next day, 
^sir Benry Clinton arrived with his reinforce- 
ments, and with ships of war, which would pro- 
bably have entirely cut off the retreat to th® 
continent. 

During this time the marquis De La Fayette 
was in Boston, endeavouring to conciliate the 
French admiral, and secure tlie return of his 
fleet as soon as it should be repaired; but, by 
great personal exertions, he rejoined the army 
just in time to have the charge of the rear guard, 
and to view the unfortunate issue of an expedi- 
tion, undertaken not only v/ith the fairest pros- 
pect of success, but which had been carried to 
the very threshold of a briUiant termination. 
The rapidity with which he travelled to the scene 
of danger as soon as he learned the retrograde 
movements of Sullivan, and the skill and bravery 
which he displayed in covering the retreat with- 
out the loss of a single man, elicited the appro- 
bation of congress, who, on the ninth of 8ep- 
tember, i778, adopted the following resolution: 

" Resolved, That .^Ir. president be requested 
to inform the marquis De La Fayette, that con- 
gress have a due sense of the sacrifice he made 



lOS LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

of his personal feelings in undertaking a journey 
to B iston, with a view of promoting the interest 
of these states, at a time when an occasion was 
daily expected of his acquiring glory in the field, 
and that his gallantry in going on Rhode Island, 
when the greatest part of the army had retreated, 
and his good conduct in bringing off the pickets 
and out-sentinels, deserve their particular appro- 
bation." 

Mr. Laurens, the then president of congress, 
transmitted this flattering testimonial to La Fay- 
ette, with the following remarks: 

Philadelphia^ Sep. 13, 1778. 
Sir, 

I experience a high degree of satisfaction in 
fulfilling the instructions embraced in the en^ 
closed act of congress, of the ninth instant, which 
expresses the sentiments of the representatives 
of the United States of America, relative to your 
excellent conduct during the expedition recently 
undertaken against Khode Island. 

Receive, sir, this testimonial on the part of 
congress, as a tribute of respect and gratitude, 
offered to you by a free people. 

I have the honour to be, with very great re- 
spect and esteem, ^c. 

Henry Laurens. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 109 

To this well-merited communication, general 
La Fayette replied as follows: 

Camp, Sep. 23, 1778. 
Sir, 

I have just received the letter of the thirteenth 
instant, with which you have favoured me, and 
in which you communicate the honour that con- 
gress has been pleased to confer by the adoption 
of its flattering resolution. Whatever sentiments 
of pride may be reasonably excited by such 
marks of approbation, I am not the less sensible 
of the feehngs of gratitude, nor of the satisfac- 
tion of believing that my efforts have, in some 
measure, been considered as useful to a cause, 
in which my heart is so deeply interested. Have 
the goodness, sir, to present to congress my un- 
feigned and humble thanks, springing from the 
bottom of my heart, and accompanied with the 
assurances of my sincere and perfect attachment, 
as the only homage worthy of being offered to 
the representatives of a free people. 

From the moment that \ first heard the name 
of America, I loved her; from the moment that 
I learned her struggles for liberty, I was inflamed 
with the desire of shedding my blood in her 
cause;— and the moments that may be expended 
in her service, whenever they may occur, or in 
whatever part of the world I may be, shall be 



1 10 LIlFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

considered as the happiest of my existence. I 
feel more ardently than ever, the desire of de- 
serving the obliging sentiments with which I am 
honoured by the United States, and by their re- 
presentatives; and the flattering confidence which 
they have been pleased to repose in me, has filled 
my heart with the liveliest gratitude, and most 
lasting affection. 

The desertion of count D'Estaing, at the mo- 
ment when Newport was about to fall into the 
power of the combined armies, greatly irritated 
the minds of the American community, and many 
began to entertain a loathing towards allies who 
seemed to forget all interests except their own. 
General Sullivan, goaded by chagrin and disap- 
pointment, of a temperament somewhat warm, 
and under the influence of a deep and just sense 
of injury, manifested the state of his feelings in 
the general orders issued on the twenty-eighth 
of August. " While," he remarked, " the general 
wishes them (the army) to place a proper confi- 
dence in him as their commander-in-chief, whose 
business it is to attend to their safety, he yet 
hopes the event will prove America able to pro- 
cure that by her own arms, which her allies re- 
fuse to assist in obtaining." These expressions 
being understood to impute to the French nation 
an indisposition to promote the interests of the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. m 

United States, wounded the feelings of the French 
officers, and added in no small degree to the re- 
sentments of the moment. The count D'Estaing 
addressed a communication to congress, in which 
his chagrin and irritation were but ill concealed, 
and in which he endeavoured to justify his con- 
duct. 

The discontent in New England generally, but 
particularly in Boston, where the independent 
companies and militia had returned in excessive 
ill humour, was so great as to inspire fears that 
even the means of repairing the French ships 
would be unattainable; and it was, in some degree, 
to guard against the mischief to be apprehended 
from the prevalence of such a temper, that gene- 
rals La Fayette and Hancock bad repaired from 
camp to Boston. Congress, together with \\ ash-^ 
ington, and every thinking man in the communi- 
ty, foresaw the fatal consequences that would 
ensue from an irreparable breach with their new 
ally, and took the most judicious and persevering 
measures to allay the ferment and restore confi- 
dence and harmony. That body directed general 
Washington to make every effort in his power to 
prevent the unwise protest of the officers of Sul- 
livan's army from being made public, and general 
Greene, by his timely personal interference, ar- 
rested the despatches when on the point of being 
publicly submitted by the speaker to the assembly 



112 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

of Rhode Island, which general Sullivan had ad- 
dressed to the governor of that state, in the first 
moments of vexation and disappointment, and 
which complained bitterly of the conduct of 
D'Estaing, in terms calculated to increase the 
general discontent. 

The marquis De La Fayette experience j ex- 
treme anguish, which he communicated to Wash- 
ington, at the injuries he supposed to be offered, 
to his country, by the expressions of resentment 
which fell from the officers of the American 
army. Eut, in the expression of these feelings, 
while he showed his great sensibility wherever 
France was concerned, he also manifested the 
most unlimited attachment to the commander- 
in-chief Washington laboured indefatigably to 
prevent the evils to be apprehended from the 
prejudices and resentments arising from the con- 
duct of D'Estaing; and particularly exerted him- 
self to calm the growing animosities found among 
the French and American officers. " I have not 
now time," he remarked in a letter to general 
Greene, '' to take notice of the several arguments 
which were made use of, for and against the 
count's quitting the harbour of Newport and 
sailing for Boston. Eight or wrong, it will pro- 
bably disappoint our sanguine expectation of suc- 
cess; and, which I deem a still worse conse- 
quence, I fear it Wll sow the seeds of dissention 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. ij^ 

and distrust between us and our new allies, unless 
the most prudent measures be taken to suppress 
the feuds and jealousies that have already arisen. 
I depend much on your temper and influence to 
concihate that animosity, which, I plainly per- 
ceive by a letter from the marquis, subsists be- 
tween the American and French officers in our 
service. This, you may be assured, will extend 
itself to the count, and the officers and men of 
his whole fleet, should they return to Rhode Is- 
land, unless a reconcihation shall have taken 
place. The marquis speaks kindly of a letter 
from you to him on this subject. He will, there- 
fore, take any advice from you in a friendly way; 
and if he can be pacified, the other French gen- 
tlemen will of course be satisfied, since they look 
up to him as their head. The marquis grounds 
his complaint on a general order of the twenty- 
fourth of August, and upon the universal clamour 
that prevailed against the French nation." 

But, notwithstanding the conciliatory measures 
adopted by the authorities of America, as well 
as by count D'Estaing himself, the tide of popu- 
lar feeling could not be entirely restrained. The 
conduct of the French officers, and even of the 
common sailors, at Boston, was truly exemplary. 
But this extreme circumspection did not prevent 
the occurrence, on the tliirteenth of September, 
of a violent affi'ay between some Americans and 



[j4. LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the French, which resulted in the death of the 
Chevalier de Saint 8auveur. The select men of 
the town, to allay the resentment of the French, 
showed themselves very solicitous to punish the 
offenders, and declared that the tumult was fo- 
mented by English sailors who had been made 
prisoners, and deserters from the army of Bur- 
goyne. Tranquillity was restored; the count 
D'Estaing made no further inquiry into the affair; 
no offender was discovered; and the government 
of Massachusetts decreed a monument to be 
erected to Saint Sauveur. — The night of the sixth 
of the same month had witnessed a scene far 
more serious, at Charleston, South Carolina, be- 
tween the French and American sailors. It ter- 
minated in a formal battle. The French were 
driven out of the city, and forced to take refuge 
on board their ships, from which they lired with 
artillery and musketry against the town. The 
Americans, on their part, fired upon the French 
vessels, from the adjoining wharves and stores. 
Many lives were lost on both sides. A reward 
of a thousand pounds sterling was offered to who- 
ever should discover the authors of the tumult, 
but without effect. — Thus ended the riots of Bos- 
ton and of Charleston, which were attributed, if 
not %vith truth, at least with prudence, to British 
artifice and instigation. Nothing can more clearly 
demonstrate the instability of public opinion than 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 115 

the occurrence of these disgraceful scenes. A 
few weeks before the whole continent resounded 
with praise.^ and gratitude to the king of France, 
as the saviour of the liberties of America, and 
now, by the conduct, whether right or wrong, of 
one of his officers, these favourable feelings were 
instantaneously converted into hatred and irrita- 
tion. 

At length, provident and temperate measures 
triumphed, and a breach which threatened very 
serious consequences, was entirely made up. 
General Greene was successful in exerting his 
personal influence with La Fayette, which could 
be done more with the freedom and familiarity 
of a friend than that of Washington, although 
it certainly did not possess the same parental 
weight. Their combined endeavours were crown- 
ed with the success which was anticipated. The 
American officers, after the first ebullition of pas^ 
sion, were easily pacified; for theirs was a sys- 
tem of sacrifice for the good of the country.* 

The failure of the plan of congress for the 
invasion of Canada, to be conducted by the mar- 
quis De La Fayette, did not change the wishes 

* For accounts of the expedition against Rhode Island, &c. &c. 
vide Marshall's Washington, vol. iii, eh. 9.— Journals Congress, 
vol. iv,p. S78;-~Johnson's Life Greene, vol. i, p. 110— 118.— Me- 
moires Hist, sur M. de La Fayette, p. 6, 7, 36, 38, 40.— Botta's 
War Independence, vol. ii, p. 549. 



116 LIFE UF LA FAYETTE. 

of that body, and after the commencement of 
hostilities between France and Great Britain, the 
subject was again taken up. Towards the au- 
tumn of 1779, and about the time that La Fay- 
ette obtained permission to return to France, 
a plan was completely matured for a combined 
attack, to be made by the allied forces of France 
and the United States, on all the British domi- 
nions on the continent, and on the adjacent is- 
lands of Cape Breton and New Foundland. That 
nobleman was directed to transmit it to doctor 
Franklin, the minister of the United States at the 
court of Versailles, with instructions to induce, if 
possible, the French cabinet to accede to it. Great 
reliance was also placed on the influence of the 
marquis with his own government. Accordingly, 
this very extensive plan, prepared entirely in the 
cabinet, without consulting a single military cha- 
racter, was, for the first time, transmitted to ge- 
neral Washington, in October, with a request that 
he would enclose it by the marquis De La Fay- 
ette, accompanied with his observations, to doctor 
Franklin, 

Washington was immediately and forcibly 
struck with the absolute impracticability of exe- 
cuting the magnificent plan already decided on 
by congress, and in a very long and very serious 
letter to congress, apologized for not obeying their 
orders in delivering the plan, with his observa- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. - II7 

tions on it, to La Fayette. He entered into a 
perfect investigation of all its parts, and demon- 
strated the miscliiefs and dangers with which it 
was replete. Men recede slowly from favourite 
projects. Hence it was decided that eventual 
measures, at least, ought to be taken for the ex- 
pedition. Besides which, congress probably felt, 
in some degree, committed by the conversations 
which had been held on the subject with La Fay- 
ette, and the minister of France. That body, 
therefore, directed general Washington to write 
to the marquis, who had now departed for France, 
and to the American minister in Paris, relative to 
the adoption of eventual measures, in case an 
armament should be sent from France to Quebec. 
The commander-in-chief, however, whose objec- 
tions to the proposed plan remained in full force, 
resolved not to open a correspondence for the 
purpose of soliciting the concurrence of France 
in an expedition to which he was firmly opposed. 
Requesting, therefore, a personal conference, he 
laid before them such satisfactory reasons for the 
opinions which he had adopted, that the expedi- 
tion against Canada was entirely given up. — Thus 
was general La Fayette relieved from the neces- 
sity of urging to the French government the 
adoption of a plan, which promised little hopes 
of success, and left entirely free to pursue his 



118 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

solicitations for aid in a iiianner better adapted 
to promote the cause of independence. 

In the month of January, 1779, the marquis 
De La Fayette embarked at Boston, on a voyage 
to France, in the continental frigate Alliance. 
Ambitious of fame on another theatre, and antici- 
pating a war on the continent of Europe, he was 
desirous of tendering his services to his king and 
his own country. But another principal object 
was to exert his influence in favour of the United 
States at the court of Versailles. He had wit- 
nessed and felt the mortifying embarassments 
which environed the active promoters of the re- 
volution, from a combination of causes, which 
could be best explained in personal and reiterated 
interviews with those who directed the pohcy of 
the French cabinet. Some fear, also, was enter- 
tained that unfavourable results might proceed 
from the fracas which occurred at Rhode Island, 
and the consequent excesses committed in Bos- 
ton and Charleston. — General Washington, from 
motives of real friendship, as well as political 
reasons, was very desirous of preserving La Fay- 
ette's connexion with the army, and of strength- 
ening his attachment to America. Ke, therefore, 
in the following letter to the president of con- 
gress, expressed his wishes that La Fayette, in- 
stead of resigning his commission, might have 
unlimited leave of absence, to return when it 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE= 119 

should be convenient to himself; and might carry 
with him every mark of the confidence of the 
government: 

Head Quarters, October 6, 1778, 
Sir, 

This letter will be presented to you by major- 
general La Fayette. The generous motives which 
formerly induced him to cross the ocean, and 
serve in* tlie armies of the United States, are 
known to congress. The same praise-worthy 
reasons now urge him to return to his native 
country, which, under existing circumstances, has 
a claim to his services. 

However anxious he was to fulfil the duty 
which he owes to his king and country, that pow- 
erful consideration could not induce him to leave 
this continent, while the fate of the campaign 
remains undecided. He is, therefore, determined 
to remain until the termination of the present 
campaign, and takes advantage of the present 
cessation from hostilities, to communicate his de- 
signs to congress, so that the necessary arrange- 
ments may be made at a convenient season, 
while he is at hand, if occasion should offer, to 
distinguish himself in the army. 

At the same time, the marquis, being desirous 
of preserving his connection with this country, 
and hoping that he may enjoy opportunities of 



120 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

being useful to it, as an American officer, only 
solicits leave of absence, for the purpose of em- 
bracing the views which have been already sug- 
gested. 

The pain which it costs me to separate from 
an officer who possesses all the military fire of 
youth, with a rare maturity of judgment, would 
lead me, if the choice depended on my wishes, 
to place his absence on the footing which he pro- 
poses. ! shall always esteem it a pleasure to be 
able to give those testimonials of his services to 
which they are entitled, from the bravery and 
conduct which have distinguished him on every 
occasion; and I do not doubt that congress will, 
in a proper manner, express how sensibly they 
appreciate his merits, and how much they regret 
his departure. 

I have the honour to be, ^c. 

George Washington. 

Some time after this flattering communication, 
the marquis addressed a noble and generous let- 
ter to congress on the same subject: 

Philadelphia^ October 13, i778. 
Sir, 

However attentive I ought to be not to employ 
the precious moments of congress in the conside- 
ration of private affairs, I beg leave, with that 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 121 

confidence which naturally springs from affection 
and gratitude, to unfold to them the circumstan- 
ces in which 1 am, at present, situated. It is 
impossible to speak more appropriately of the 
sentiments which attach me to my own country, 
than in the presence of citizens who have done 
so much for their own. So long as I have had 
the power of regulating my own actions, it has 
been my pride and pleasure to fight beneath the 
banners of America, in the defence of a cause, 
which I may dare more particularly to call ours, 
as T have shed my blood in its support. 

Now, sir, that France is engaged in war, 1 am 
urged both by duty and patriotism, to present 
myself before my sovereign to know in wliat 
manner he may be pleased to employ my servi- 
ces. The most pleasing service that I can render, 
will be that which enables me to serve the com- 
mon cause, among those whose friendships 1 have 
had the happiness to obtain, and in whose for- 
tunes I participated, when your prospects were 
less bright than they now are. This motive, to- 
gether with others which congress will properly 
appreciate, induce me to request permission to 
return to my own country in the ensuing winter. 

So long as a hope remained of an active cam- 
paign, I never indulged the idea of leaving the 
army; but the present state of peace and inaction 
leads me to prefer, to congress, this petition. If 



|2iJ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

it should be pleased to grant my request, the ar- 
rangements for my departure shall be taken in 
such a manner, that the result of the campaign 
shall be known before they are put in execution. 
I enclose a letter from his excellency, general 
Washington, consenting to the leave of absence 
which 1 wish to obtain. I flatter myself that you 
will consider me as a soldier on leave of absence, 
ardently wishing to rejoin his colours, as well as 
his beloved comrades. If, when I return to the 
midst of my fellow citizens, it is believed that I 
can, in any manner, promote the prosperity of 
America, — if my most strenuous exertions can 
promise any useful results, I trust, sir, that f shall 
always be considered as the man who has the 
prosperity of the United States most at heart, 
and who entertains for their representatives the 
most perfect love and esteem. 

Ihave the honour to be, ^c. 

La Fayette. 

Congress acceded, without hesitation, to the 
wishes of the marquis. They knew that the con- 
fidence of America in him was well placed, and 
that he would use all his influence, at the court 
of Versailles, in her favour. Never, indeed, did 
a foreigner, whose primary attachments were to 
his own country, feel more anxious solicitude for 
the welfare of another, than was unceasingly 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. iQ$ 

manifested by this young nobleman for the United 
States. — On tlie twenty-first of October, congress, 
in addition to the leave of absence which had 
been required, adopted the most flattering reso- 
lutions: 

Resolved, That the marquis De La Fayette, 
major-general in the service of the United States, 
have leave to go to France; and that he return at 
such time as shall be most convenient to him. 

Resolved, That the president write a lettei' to 
the marquis l)e La Fayette, returning him the 
thanks of congress for that disinterested zeal 
which le i him to America, and for the services 
he hath rendered to the United States, by the 
exertion of his courage and abilities on many 
signal occasions. 

Resolved, That the minister plenipotentiary of 
the United States of America at the court of Ver- 
sailles, be directed to cause an elegant sword, 
with proper devices, to be made and presented, 
in the name of the United States, to the marquis 
De La Fayette. 

A draught of a letter of recommendation to 
his most Christian majesty, the king of France, 
m favour of La Fayette, was also reported and 
agreed to. 

According to the second resolution, these ho- 
nourable evidences of the high character which 
he enjoyed in the estimation of the American 



1^4 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

community, were conveyed to the marquis with 
the following observations, by the president of 
congress: 

Philadelphia^ October 2% 1778. 
Sir, 

1 had the honour to communicate to congress, 
your letter soUciting leave of absence, and I am 
authorised by that body to express to you its 
thanks for the zeal you have shown in defence 
of the just cause in which it is engaged, and for 
the disinterested services you have rendered to 
the Lnited States of America. — As a testimonial 
of the high esteem and affection which the peo- 
ple of these states entertain towards you, and as 
an acknowledgment of the bravery and military 
talents which you have displayed on many signal 
occasions, the representatives of the people, in 
congress assembled, have directed the American 
minister at the court of Versailles, to present 
you witli an elegant sword. 

Enclosed you will find an act of congress, of 
the twenty-first instant, authorising these decla- 
rations, and granting you permission to return to 
France, and extending the leave of absence at 
your will. 

I pray the Almighty to bless and protect you, 
and to guide you in safety to the presence of your 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 125 

prince, and to a happy meeting with your noble 
family and friends. 

I have the honour to be, ^c. ^c. 

Henry Laurens. 

To this communication, the marquis De La 
Fayette made the following reply: 

Philadelphia, 26 October, 1778. 
Sir, 

1 have received your excellency's obliging let- 
ter, containing the several resolutions which con- 
gress have done me the honour to adopt, and the 
leave of absence which it has been pleased to 
grant: nothing can afford me more happiness 
than the belief that my services have obtained 
its approbation. The glorious marks of confi- 
dence and satisfaction which I have received, at 
different times, from the representatives of Ame- 
rica, although greater than my merits, cannot 
surpass the feelings of gratitude which they have 
occasioned. I consider the noble present which 
has been made to me in the name of the United 
States, as a most flattering honour, and my most 
ardent desire is speedily to employ tliat sword 
in their service, against the common enemy of 
my country and of its faithful and beloved allies. 

May liberty, abundance, and concord, forever 
veign in the United States: this is the ardent wisli 



126 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of a heart overflowing with unbounded zeal, love^ 
and devotion, for this country, and with the high- 
est respect and most sincere affection for its re- 
presentatives. 

Be pleased, sir, to present to them my thanks, 
and accept for yourself the assurance of my re- 
spectful attachment. 

I have the honour to be. 

With profound veneration, ^x. ^c. 

La Fayette. 

On the voyage to France, general La Fayette 
was exposed to new and unexpected dangers. It 
was found difficult, in Boston, to procure the ne- 
cessary complement of men necessary for the 
frigate Alliance, the national vessel appropriated 
to convey him to his own country: hence more 
than half the crew was composed of Enghsh 
sailors who had been made prisoners. Eight days 
before their arrival in Europe, a conspiracy was 
formed among the foreigners on board, the exe- 
cution of which was prevented by the merest ac- 
cident. Mistaking an American for one of their 
own countrymen, the English conspirators en- 
trusted him with their secret, and offered him the 
command of the vessel, which, according to the 
proclamation of the king of Great Britain, (con- 
taining more policy tlian morality,) became the 
property of the mutineers. But the honest Ame- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 127 

rican revealed the plot to the officers only an 
hour previous to the time appointed for their 
general massacre. During tliis conspiracy and 
consequent confusion, the French and American 
sailors, without exception, made common cause 
against the English. 

Thus this gallant nobleman returned to France, 
the leader of armies, the counsellor of statesmen, 
and the friend of philosophers, at the premature 
age of twenty-two years! The court and the 
people alike came forward to receive and wel- 
come the young hero, who had reflected such 
credit on his country; who united the gay, gallant, 
fearless spirit of ancient chivalry, to the modern 
principles of philosophical liberty. 

During this visit doctor Franklin presented to 
him the sword ordered by congress previous to 
his departure from America, which he accompa- 
nied with the following letter: 

Passif, August 2% 1779- 
Sir, 

The congress, sensible of your merit towards 
the United States, but unable adequately to reward 
it, determined to present you with a sword, as a 
small mark of their grateful acknowledgment. 
They directed it to be ornamented with suitable 
devices. Some of the principal actions of the 
war, in which you distinguished yourself by your 



128 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

bravery and conduct, are, therefore, represented 
upon it. These, with a few emblematic figures, 
all admirably well executed, make its principal 
value. By the help of the exquisite artists France 
affords, I find it easy to express every thing but 
the sense we have of your worth and our obliga- 
tions to yon. For this, figures, and even words, 
are found insufficient. — I, therefore, only add, 
that, with the most perfect esteem and respect, 
I have the honour to be, 

Your obedient servant, 

B. Franklin. 

This sword was presented to the marquis, at 
Havre, by the grandson of doctor Frankhn. On 
the four sides of the coquille are engraved repre- 
sentations of the battle of Monmouth, of the 
affair of Gloucester in New Jersey, and of the 
retreat from Barren Hill, and from Rhode Island: 
on one side of the handle, the marquis is repre- 
sented as wounding the British lion; and on the 
other as receiving a branch of laurel from Ame- 
rica, under the form of a female, whose chains 
are broken. The pommel is, on one side, orna- 
mented with the arms of La Fayette, and on the 
other with an emblem of America, represented 
by a crescent enlightening a half-civilised and 
half-cultivated country. On this part of the sword 
is also a figure of fame bearing the arms of 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 129 

France, and a representation of the vessel in 
which he first caaie to America. The bow of 
the hilt bears the following inscription: 

Presented by congress to M. le marquis de La 
Fayette. 

The ardent zeal displayed by him in his soli- 
citations to the French court in favour of the 
United States, merits the warmest gratitude of 
every American bosom. His temporary absence 
did not in the slightest degree diminish that pas- 
sionate ardour for the promotion of American 
independence, which the affectionate attentions 
he had received, the enthusiasm of a soldier in 
the cause of those for whom he had made his 
first campaign, and by whom he had been highly 
distinguished, combined with a consciousness that 
he was substantially promoting the permanent 
interests of France, were all so well calculated 
to inspire in a young and generous mind, in fa- 
vour of an infant people, struggling for liberty 
and self government, with the hereditary rival of 
his government. Being received at Versailles 
with every mark of distinction and favour, he 
employed all the interest he had acquired in im- 
pressing on the cabinet, the importance and policy 
of granting succours to the United States. His 
success was equal to the nobie motives by which 
he was actuated. The court, governed by political 
expediency, endeavoured to feed the flame which 

R 



130 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

consumed the strength of Great Eritain; and little 
dreamed that from that flame a spark would pro- 
ceed, which would eventually kindle the inflam- 
mable mass collected within its own bosom.* 

Without any regular autliority from congress, 
the marquis, taking upon himself the entire re- 
sponsibility of those measures, employed himself 
assiduously in soliciting assistance in men, money, 
and clothingo In this favourite object, he was 
aided by the representations of the minister of 
France at Philadelpliia; and the succours which 
he procured were various and important. He 
prevailed on the French court to embark heartily 
in the cause, and obtained from it a promise to 
despatch a formidable fleet and army to the ports 
of the United States. An extract from a letter 
written on the fifth of March, 1780, by doctor 
Franklin to general Washington, will serve to 
show the estimation in which he was held by that 
sagacious philosopher and statesman: " I received 
but lately the letter your excellency did me the 
honour of writing to me, in recommendation of 
the marquis de La Fayette. His modesty de- 
tained it long in his own hands. We became 
acquainted, however, from the time of his arrival 
in Paris; and his zeal for the honour of our coun- 



*Lady Morgan's France, book viji. — Marsh. Washington, vol. 
iv, cli. 5. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 131 

try, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm 
attachment to our cause and to you, impressed 
me with the same regard and esteem for him 
that your excellency's letter vfculd have done, 
had it immediately been delivered to me." 

Having succeeded in his primary object, and 
finding no probability of active employment on 
the continent of Europe, La Fayette renounced 
the continued triumph afforded him by the uni- 
versal homage and admiration of his countrymen, 
and once again crossed the ocean to resume his 
career of glory. In the latter part of April, 1780, 
he arrived at Boston in the royal frigate Her- 
mione, captain Le I'ouche. The day of his land- 
ing was one of public rejoicing. The inhabitants 
flocked to the shore to receive their generous de- 
fender, and he was conducted, amid the roar of 
cannon, the ringing of bells, and the enlivening 
strains of military music, to the house which the 
municipal authorities had prepared for his ac- 
commodation. The day was concluded by a bril- 
liant display of fire-works in the public places. 
He escaped, as soon as possible, from the scenes 
of festivity, and the manifestations of public joy, 
which his cheering intelligence had occasioned, 
and hastened to head quarters, where he arrived 
on the twelfth of May. He was received with 
open arms, by general Washington, whose heart 
needed some such balm, for the affairs of Ame-, 



IS2 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

rica were not then in a prosperous train. The 
joyful news brought by his illustrious friend, 
buoyed up the spirit of the father of America. 
He brought with him the welcome tidings, that 
large reinforcements were immediately to be for- 
warded to the French army and navy. He an- 
nounced that the troops were already embarked, 
and the ships that bore them on the point of sail- 
ing for America. 

Congress received the noble marquis with 
those marks of distinction and regard, to which 
his constant and indefatigable zeal in the support 
of their cause, as well as this last signal service, 
gave him such just pretensions. Having offered 
his services to that body on the thirteenth of May, 
the following resolution was immediately adopt- 
ed: 

" Resolved, That congress consider the return 
of the marquis de La Fayette to America, to re- 
sume his command, as a fresh proof of the dis- 
interested zeal and persevering attachment which 
have justly recommended him to the public con- 
fidence and applause; and that they receive with 
pleasure a tender of the further services of so 
gallant and meritorious an officer." 

The intelligence brought by him, gave a new 
impulse both to congress and the state legisla- 
tures; and the lethargic slumber in which they 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 133 

seemed to be sinking, yielded to resolutions of 
the most vigorous complexion. His very return 
was grateful to the American people, and espe- 
cially redoubled the ardour of the soldiers, who 
mutually incited each other to show themselves 
worthy of the allies they expected. They declared 
aloud that eternal reproach would be their por- 
tion, if, through a base and unmanly apathy, they 
should lose the glorious occasion now offered to 
them by this powerful co-operation of France. 
The congress, and all the established authorities, 
as well as influential private citizens, neglected no 
means that could cherish and propagate this new 
enthusiasm; and their efforts had, in some mea- 
sure, the desired effect. Thus the arrival of La 
Fayette was the signal of restoring confidence, of 
arousing the flagging spirit of the nation, and of 
reviving the authority, and giving fresh vigour 
to the measures, of congress,* About the mid- 
dle of June, the count He Rochambeau arrived 
at Rhode Island from Brest, with between Ave 
and six thousand select troops, and the Chevaher 

*For accounts of his visit to France in 1779-1780, vide Mem. 
Hist, sur La Fayette. — Toulongeon, Hist, de France, tome i, ap- 
pendix, p, 97. — Lady Morgan's France, p. 316. — Port Folio, vol. 
xix, p. 501-2. — Botta's War Independ. vol. iii, p. 194. — Hist. 
France, vol. iii, p. 211. — Marsh. Life Washington, vol. iii, 531: 

iv, 237 Thacher's Journal, p. 533. — Journal Congress, vol. iv, 

446: vi, 49. 



J 34 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

de I'ornay with seven ships of the line, and sc= 
veral frigates. 

Soon after the return of general La Fayette, 
he was appointed to cosiimand the van of Wash- 
ington's army. His division was selected from 
the different corps: the first brigade was com- 
manded by general Hand, with colonels Van 
Courtlaodt, Ogden, and Stewart; — the second by 
general Poor, with coloneJs Shephard, Swift, and 
Gimat There was also a troop of horse attached 
to it, commanded by colonel Henry Lee, as well 
as a major's command of artillery. Of all these 
officers then animated Avith the prospect of glory, 
and glittering in martial pomp, it is beheved that 
all have descended to the tomb, but generals La 
Fayette, and Van Courtlandt.* In 1780, the 
marquis De Cbastelleux, during his travels in 
America, visited the camp of La Fayette, in New 
Jersey, which he found placed in an excellent 
position. It occupied two heights separated by a 
small bottom, but with an easy communication 
between them. The river Totowaw, or Second 
River, protected its right, and the principal part 
of the front, and all the left flank, to a great dis- 
tance, were covered by a rivulet flowing from the 
town of Paramas, and falling into the Totowaw. 

* We are, liowever, ignorant as it respects colonel Gimat, and 
the major commanding the artillery. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. i<35 

It was only twenty miles distant from York island. 
This van guard consisted of light infantry, or 
what is the same thing, of a corps selected from 
the army. His troops made an excellent appear- 
ance. They were better clothed than the rest of 
the army; the uniform of both officers and sol- 
diers, which were principally furnished at the 
expense of the marquis, had a neat and military 
appearance, and each soldier wore a helmet made 
of hard leather, with a crest of horsehair. The 
officers were armed with espontons, and the 
subalterns with fusils; the former were provided 
with short and light sabres, brought from France, 
and presented to them by general La Fayette. 
This select corps, he formed and modulated, ac- 
cording to his own wishes, and infused among 
them a spirit of pride and emulation. They were 
the pride of his heart; — he was the idol of their 
devotion. Deserving the highest confidence, and 
pronounced, by European veterans, to be equal 
to any corps in any country, they panted for some 
signal achievement, worthy of their own charac- 
ter, and worthy of the name of their illustrious 
commander. His dragoons were extremely well 
mounted, and did not shrink from meeting those 
of Great Britain, over whom they had gained 
several advantages; but they had never been nu- 
merous enough to form a solid and permanent 
body. Tarleton, indeed, discovered a vast dif- 



136 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ference between Lee's dragoons, and a surprised 
party of ill armed infantry and countrymen. But 
his^r^^ was in the latter species of warfare: a 
forced march, a surprise, and a bloody gazette, 
are the records of his ^lory.* 

When the first division of the French rein^ 
forcements arrived in July, i780, they found the 
American force unprepared for active and offen- 
sive co-operation. Yet it was necessary for gene- 
ral Washington to communicate to the count De 
Rochambeau, the system adopted for the resiiue 
of the campaign. The advanced state of the 
season forbade the idea of waiting for new levies, 
to execute his plan against New York. Both the 
engagements of congress and the interests of 
the United States, determined him immediately 
to forward to the French general and admiral, 
definitive proposals of co-operation, and pressed 
on all sides by a chain of difficulties, he resolved 
to hazard much, rather than forego the advantage 
to be derived from the aid afforded by France. 
The naval superiority of the French being as- 
certained, the general outlines of a plan for at- 
tacking New York were drawn up, in which the 
fifth of August was named as the day on which 
the French troops should re-embark, and the Ame- 
rican army assemble at Morrisania. This plan 

* Chastelleux' Trav. vol. i, 101-3, 123. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. ]37 

was committed to general La Fayette, who was 
authorized to explain fully to the count de Roch- 
ambeau, the situation of the American army, and 
the views of the commander-in-chief; and to go 
more into detail, respecting the enterprise pro- 
posed, and others which were contemplated. 

The arrival of admiral Greaves at New York, 
with six ships of the line, however, entirely re- 
versed the superiority at sea, and this change of 
circumstances, of course prevented any other than 
an eventual plan for the campaign. The prac- 
ticability of De Ternay's acquiring the naval su- 
periority now depended on the arrival of the 
second division of his squadron from Brest, or a 
re-enforcement from count De Guichen, who com- 
manded the French fleet in the West Indies. In 
the mean time, Sir Henry Clinton and admiral 
Arbuthnot, formed a plan to attack the French 
fleet and army at Newport. Arbuthnot proceed- 
ed to Rhode Island and cruised off* the harbour? 
while Clinton embarked six thousand chosen 
troops for the purpose of attacking Newport by 
land. But their designs could not elude the pen- 
etration of Washington. x\s it was impracticable 
to reach Rhode Island in time to unite the Ameri- 
can troops with those of their ally, he resolved 
to collect all the force he could assemble, and 
making a rapid movement to New York, attack 
that place during the absence of Sir Henry CUh- 



ISS LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ton. Rapidly crossing the North River, he was in 
full march towards Kings-bridge with nearly ten 
thousand men, exclusive of militia, when the sud- 
den return of 8ir Henry Clinton, who had aban- 
doned the expedition on learning the improved 
state of the fortifications on Rhode Island, defea- 
ted the hopes which had been formed of finding 
New York weakly defended. The American 
army, accordingly re-crossed, the Hudson, and 
took post near Orangetown. 

Intelligence was now received that the second 
division of the fleet designed for the service of the 
United States, had been stopped by a British 
squadron which completely blockaded the port 
of Brest, and that the count De Guichen, instead 
of coming to the American coast, had sailed for 
Europe. Admiral Rodney also arrived, in Sep- 
tember, with eleven ships of the line and four 
frigates. This re-enforcement completely dis- 
concerted all the plans of the allies, and terminated 
the sanguine hopes which had been formed at 
the opening of the campaign. 

In the meantime, the hostile armies in the 
neighbourhood of New York continued vigilantly 
to observe each others motions. But while the 
British commander appeared sunk in supineness, 
he meditated a deep and dark scheme, which, 
could it have taken effect in its full extent, would 
probably have brought the war to a conclusioOj 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I39 

and have extinguished, for a time, the Indepen- 
dence of A merica. General A mold had distinguish- 
ed himself in the early attack on Quebec, and after- 
wards maintained the high reputation which he 
had acquired there by a series of bold and enter- 
prising exertions. Plunged by his profusion into 
pecuniary distresses, he endeavoured to extricate 
himself, by engaging in speculations which pro- 
ved unfortunate, and taking a share in privateers 
which were unsuccessful. Possessing neither the 
strength of principle, nor the correctness of judg- 
ment, necessary to withstand the seductions to 
which Ms high station, as the commander of Phi- 
ladelphia, exposed him, he committed gross ex- 
tortions on the citizens, and peculated on the 
|unds of the continent. Brought to a court mar- 
tial, at the instigation of the executive of Penn- 
sylvania, he was sentenced, on the twenty-sixth 
of January, 1779, to be reprimanded by the com- 
mander-in-chief This censure alienated his un- 
principled mind from the United States: entrusted 
with the most important command of West Pointy 
in 1780, he basely permitted his pecuniary em- 
barrassments, or resentments, to triumph over his 
fidehty, and entered into a close correspondence 
with the enemies of his country. — ^T'he particu- 
lars of this treacherous attempt, the unfortunate 
escape of Arnold, and the capture of Major Andre^ 
are well known. Maledictions were heaped upon 



140 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the former, and praises upon those who had ar= 
rested the latter. A board of general officers was 
convened to determine the fate of the gallant and 
unfortunate Andre: among its members, besides 
many distinguished American officers, were the 
marquis de La Fayette, and baron Steuben, and 
they were called upon to determine in which 
character the prisoner was to be considered, and 
to what punishment he was liable. 

To the feeling and generous heart of La Fay- 
ette, the stern performance of this distressing duty 
occasioned many severe pangs. The candourj 
openness, and magnanimity of Andre, made upon 
his mind the most favourable impressions; but he 
found himself compelled to unite in the decision 
wliich condemned to a disgraceful death, a young, 
brave, and accomplished, officer, who united the 
polish of a court, and the refinements of edu- 
cation, to the heroism of a soldier. The court- 
martial, with the deep regret that was excited by 
his frank and noble demeanour, determined that 
he was a spy, and ought to suffer death. The 
general officers which composed it lamented the 
sentence which the usages of war compelled them 
to pronounce; and perhaps on no occasion of 
his life, did Washington obey with more reluc- 
tance, the stern mandates of duty and of policy. 
The sympathy excited among the American offi- 
cers by his fate, was as universal as is unusual 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 14 1 

on such occasions. On the second of October, 
1780, the unhappy victhn was executed at Tap- 
pan. When brought to the foot of the gibbet, he 
exclaimed, '^ And must I die thus." He was an- 
swered, that it could not be otherwise. He did 
not dissemble his proud grief, and having past a 
few moments in prayer, he pronounced these 
words which were his last; " Bear witness that I 
die as a brave man ought to die." Such was the 
just, but melancholy, fate of a young man, deserv- 
ing, in so many respects, a better destiny. Andre 
died with fortitude and dignity, his last hours 
soothed with every mark of attention and regard, 
and his execution accompanied by the tears of 
the very judges who pronounced it. Arnold lived 
" a recreant and most degenerate traitor," bran- 
ded with infamy, the loathsome object of scorn, 
and regarded with contempt and detestation by 
the honourable, the generous, and the brave, who 
could never forget that he was a sordid villain, 
first the slave of his rage, then purchased with 
gold, and finally secured from the gallows by the 
blood of one of the most accomplished officers 
in the British army. 

The events of the campaign of 1780, although 
by no means adverse, had disappointed the san- 
guine expectations which attended its commence- 
ment. But although unmarked by any memora- 
ble event, the American general had succeeded 



14i> LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

in keeping the enemy shut up in New York. 
This state of inactivity little accorded with the 
martial spirit and desire of distinction, which an- 
imated the marquis de La Fayette. In October, 
1780, when Greene was appointed to the com- 
mand of the southern department, many gallant 
spirits earnestly solicited to be enrolled under his 
banners. Among these were colonel John Lau- 
rens, literally the '' chevalier sans peur et sans 
reproche^'^ colonel Christopher Greene, the hero 
of Red Bank, doctor M 'Henry, then aid to gen- 
eral W ashington, major Lee, the celebrated par- 
tisan, and finally. La Fayette. On the tenth of 
November, 1780, the marquis addressed the foL 
lowing letter to general Greene: 

My dear friend, 

As soon as your letter from head-quartei's came 
to hand, I hastened to make an answer to the 
several articles it contained, and was greatly dis- 
appointed to hear you were gone before it could 
reach you. For my friends, my dear sir, I have 
no different feelings from those which I expe- 
rience for myself I, therefore, feel for you as 
I would on my own account, were I appointed to 
command the southern army. You will, I confess, 
have great difficulties to struggle with; tlie worst 
of them all will, I fear, be the article of provi» 
sions. But, on the other hand, defeats are expect- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 143 

ed from that quarter. It was yet more the case 
before Ferguson's affair.* Could it have been pro- 
perly agreeable for the public welfare, I wish this 
affair had been postponed. Indeed, my friend, 
if I feel for you on account of the obstacles which 
you will have to encounter, I, on the other hand^ 
cannot help foreseeing a great deal of personal 
glory which you are entitled to hope. But what- 
ever might have been hereafter the case; whatev- 
er bad chances, (and in our profession chance is 
something,) a malignant fortune might throw in 
your way, beheve me, my dear sir, my friendship 
as well as my esteem, for you, are founded upon 
such a basis as cannot be shaken by any run of 
good or ill luck, wl^iich may subject you to the 
praise or the blame of common opinions. In all 
cases, I am heartily willing to have my fate uni- 
ted to yours; and by this junction of stars, to have 
my little share in any thing, good or bad, that 
may happen to the troops under your command. 
As soon as we enter into winter quarters, I 
shall the more freely ask the general leave to join 
you; as, by that time, letters from France will 
have convinced us that my presence at head-quar- 
ters is not, for some months, useful to his , pur- 
pose of co-operation. By the first of January, at 

* Major Ferguson was defeated by a body of militia, at King's 
Mountain on the seventh of October. Upwards of eight hundred 
British were made prisoners, and two hundred and twenty-five 
killed or wounded. 



144 I'iVE OF LA FAYETTE. 

farthest, and sooner, I hope, I intend to be with 
you, and to consecrate to the country I early 
loved, under a general I have long marked out as 
my friend, the efforts of my zeal, and of any 
thing, by nature or acquisition, I may be wtirth 
in the mihtary service. Hamilton has told me 
that you have conversed with him on the manner 
of being employed that you thought most agreea- 
ble to me.* Though by my temper and princi- 
ples, I am bound to accept of any thing, and 
cheerfully to act upon any scale that a superior 
officer thinks fit for me, I cannot help acknowledg- 
ing your kindness, and frankly tell you, you are 
not mistaken in beheving that the command of a 
flying camp, composed of the horse and light in- 
fantry of your army, will better please me than 
the honourable, but less active command of a 
wing. As I am sure that my friend Lee will ap- 
ply for being attached to me, I beg leave to sup- 
port the motion of that officer, whom I love, and 
in whom I greatly confide, both for counsel and 
execution. 

In case the dispositions of the enemy make 
you wish that I should repair to such or such 
any particular place, I will, on the least hint from 
you, ask leave from the general to fly there with 

the greatest despatch. 

La Fayette. 

* This letter was written by the marquis in English. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 145 

On the twenty-ninth of December, general 
ISreene communicated to the marquis the deplo- 
ral .le situation in which he was placed, and the 
little prospect of distinction which existed in the 
southern department. " It is now," he said, " with- 
in a few days of the time you mentioned of being 
with me. Were you to arrive, you would find 
a few ragged, half starved, troops, in the wilder- 
ness, destitute of every thing necessary for either 
the comfort or convenience of soldiers." " In- 
deed, my dear sir, the department is in a most 
deplorable condition, nor have I a prospect of its 
mending. The country is almost laid waste, and 
the inhabitants plunder one another with little less 
than savage fury. We live from hand to mouth, 
and have nothing to.subsist on but what we col- 
lect with armed parties. In this situation, I be- 
lieve you will agree with me that there is nothing 
inviting this way, especially when I assure you 
our whole force, fit for duty, that are properly 
clothed, and properly equipped, does not amount 
to eight hundred men." " Your professions and 
assurances of friendship are very flattering and 
soothing to my feelings. I wish my situation and 
future prospects afforded something more inviting 
and worthy your attention, that T might have an 
opportunity to indulge your wishes and gratify 
your feelings. But I fear this department is to be 

T 



146 MFE O^' LA FAYETTE. 

the great Sarbonian bog to the American armies, 
and particularly to the general officers." 

The distresses and privations which awaited 
him in the south produced no eftect whatever on 
the resolution which La Fayette had adopted. But 
he did not reach the southern army. After ob- 
taining the permission of the commander-in-chief, 
he had proceeded as far as Philadelphia on his 
way to join general Greene, when he was called 
upon to assist in the negociation then going on 
with the French minister to forward the concerted 
co-operation of the French fleet in the West 
Indies, which finally resulted in the capture of 
Cornwallis. After terminating this important af- 
fair, he immediately resumed his journey, and had 
advanced as far as Petersburg, when he was re- 
called to take the command of the expedition 
against Arnold in Virginia. 

In the month of December, 17^0, the traitor 
Arnold, now a brigadier-general in the British ser- 
vice, was despatched from New York, with about 
sixteen hundred men, and landed at Westover 
on the fourth of January, which is distant on 
James River, about one hundred and forty miles 
from the capes of Virginia. The next day he en- 
tered Richmond, where he ravaged both public 
and private property. Afterwards proceeding 
slowly down the river, followed by baron Steuben, 
he destroyed several mills on his way, and estab- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I47 

lished himself on the twentieth at Portsmouth, 
where Steuben, finding himself unable to force the 
position, stationed his troops in such a manner 
as to confine him to the narrowest possible li- 
mits. During this expedition, devastation had been 
extended, under Arnold's direction, until even his 
greedy appetite was cloyed, and his revengeful 
heart sated. As if he coveted to couple the name 
of bandit with that of traitor, he carried fire and 
sword wherever he went. Washington, not less 
surprised than mortified at the tidings from Vir- 
ginia, bestowed his immediate attention upon that 
quarter. He addressed himself to Rochambeau, 
commanding the land forces of his most Christian 
Majesty, and to monsieur Destouches, admiral of 
his squadron in the American seas, urging them 
to seize the present moment for inflicting a severe 
blow on the common enemy. Providentially, the 
French possessed, at this moment, the superiority 
on the sea, the British having suffered severely in 
a storm off* Long Island. The French admiral 
sent an inefficient force to the Chesapeake under 
M. de Tilly, who, discovering his inability to ex- 
ecute the expected service, immediately returned 
to Newport. 

In the mean time, general Washington had de- 
tached the marquis de La Fayette, with a corps 
of twelve hundred light infantry, drafted from the 
lines of New England and New Jersey, for the 



148 LIPE OF LA FAYETTE, 

purpose of marching to the head of Flk, there 
to embark foi that part of Virginia which was 
become the theatre of action, under convoy of 
a French frigate which he expected to obtain 
from the admiral. The commander-in-chief him- 
self hastened to Newport, to use his personal ex- 
ertions to facilitate the execution of the enter- 
prise; and it was determined that a detachment 
of the French army, then in readiness, should be 
embarked under the count de Viominil. Two 
days after the fleet had sailed, it was followed 
by the British admiral, and a partial engagement 
ensued off the capes of Virginia, which continued 
about an hour. A council of war was called the 
next day, and it being decided that it was unad- 
visable to renew the action, the French vessels 
returned to Newport. 

During these operations, general La Fayette 
had embarked his detachment at the head of Elk, 
and proceeded with it to Annapolis, in Maryland, 
where he waited for a frigate from the French 
squadron to convoy it to Virginia. The rencon- 
tre of the fleets, and the return of the French 
admiral to Newport, having rendered the object 
of the expedition unattainable. La Fayette re-em- 
barked his detachment, and returned to the head 
of Elk, where he received orders to join the 
southern army. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I49 

Thus Arnold escaped from, probably, the most 
imminent danger in which he had ever been invol- 
ved. Had the French forces reached the Chesa- 
peake unopposed, the British must have fallen, 
and the American traitor would have expiated his 
atrocious crime on a gibbet. So persuaded was 
Washington that this was now the probable ter- 
mination to his infamous life, that he instructed 
the marquis de La Fayette not to admit any sti- 
pulation, in his surrender, for his safety, and for- 
bade the smallest injury to the person of Arnold,- 
his object being to bring him to public punish- 
ment, agreeably to the rules and regulations es- 
tablished by congress for the government of the 
army. 

Sir Henry Clinton, sensible of the vulnerable 
condition of Arnold, hastened the embarkation of 
a considerable body of troops, under major gen- 
eral Phihps, consisting of two thousand men. 
This powerful re-enforcement debarked at Ports- 
mouth on the twenty-sixth of March, to the great 
joy of Arnold, whose apprehensions during the 
preceding three weeks had been unceasing and 
excruciating. General Philips, on liis anival, took 
command of all the British troops in Virginia, 
and had the decided superiority over any force 
that could be brought against liim. Having occu- 
pied himself in completing the fortifications of 



150 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Portsmouth, as soon as that object was ettected, 
he prepared for offensive operations. 

The arrival of Philips changed the destination 
of La Fa3^ette, to whom the defence of Virginia 
was now committed. At the head of Elk, he re- 
ceived an express from the commander-in-chief, 
announcing the saihng of Phihps, directing him 
to proceed to Virginia to take the command of the 
troops collected and collecting for its protection, 
and urging him to prevent, if possible, the medi- 
tated descent of that general or his junction with 
Cornwalhs. He, accordingly, prepared to exe- 
cute these orders, and as the command of the bay 
by the British rendered it hazardous again to at- 
tempt the passage to Annapolis, the line of march 
was taken up for Baltimore, ascending the east 
side of the bay. 

The troops under his command had been taken 
chiefly from the eastern regiments, and had im- 
bibed strong prejudices against a southern cli- 
mate. The service on which they were detach- 
ed, was not expected to be of long duration, and 
they were consequently unprepared for a cam- 
paign in a department where no relief from the 
most pressing wants could be procured. When they 
marched from the head of Elk, it was the early 
part of the month of April, and the north winds 
still blew keen. The half naked soldiers became 
sullen and intractable. The states on whom the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. l5l 

duty devolved bad neglected to clothe them, and 
the United States had neither money nor credit 
to supply the deficiency. In a letter to general 
Greene, the marquis gave an interesting and ex- 
culpatory account of the sufferings of his soldiers, 
whom he was obliged to punish with one band, 
and relieve with the other. Such bad been the 
necessity for secrecy and despatch, when they 
were ordered off from New Windsor in the state 
of New York, that they were hurried away under 
an impression that they were proceeding on a 
march of a few days. The consequence was, 
that even the officers were destitute of money, 
clothing, and evety thing that could contribute to 
cleanliness and comfort. When they arrived at 
Trenton, they were crowded on board of shallops, 
and passing down to New Castle, were landed 
and marched across the isthmus to the head of 
the Elk. Bere they began to take a deliberate 
survey of their situation, and, at this time, their 
murmurs were suppressed only by the suggestion 
of a short and rapid expedition against Arnold. 
On their retrograde march, they were still conten- 
ted, for they were approaching the depository of 
their wives, and of the few little comforts which 
their encampment had afforded them. Money had 
also been transmitted to head quarters by the 
state of Massachusetts, for the pay of her troops; 
and present sufferings were forgotten under the 



152 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

enlivening prospects of approaching enjoyments. 
But every liope was blighted when the counter- 
manding orders arrested their progress. Without 
tents, — for many, even of the officers, slept in 
the open air, — their shoes worn out; — their hats 
lost in their repeated voyages;— in a state (as 
the marquis expresses it,) "of shocking naked- 
ness,"— not the least particle of baggage attend- 
ing their march, — no provision made for a pro- 
tracted absence from their wives and families, 
many of whom had joined them and been left at 
their winter quarters; — murmuring at being thus 
hurried off, without notice to prepare for the ser- 
vice they were entering upon; — reasonably fearing 
that their destination was to serve in a climate 
which they dreaded, — and supported by the gen- 
eral pity which their case excited; — such was the 
temper of his army, that many of the officers 
assured the marquis, that it would speedily be 
reduced to one half by desertion. Facts supported 
the assertion, for thirteen out of one company 
deserted in a single day. — To add to the general 
distress, a nauseous and contagious disease, gene- 
rally produced, and always aggravated, by a want 
of cleanliness, had nearly overspread the whole 
camp; and naked and exposed, and kept in mo- 
tion, as the soldiers were, the ordinary remedies 
could not be apphed for their cure, with safety to 
their general health.— Desertion cannot, for any 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 153 

cause, be pardoned in an army: but it is impossi- 
ble to view such a complication of distresses in a 
camp, without admiring the passive merit which 
could resist the impulse to desert. 

But the firm and generous spirit of the marquis 
de La Fayette triumphed over these difficulties, 
and his energetic appeals to the honourable prin- 
ciples of his soldiers, principles on which the 
feelings of his own bosom taught him to rely — 
were crowned with success. His purse was as 
open as his heart. As unmindful of money as 
he was ambitious of fame, he resolved, by a no- 
ble and generous act, to conciliate his troops, and 
strengthen them in the good disposition of the 
moment. Such w^ere his. zeal and public spirit, — 
such the confidence and respect of the people, — 
that at a time when the credit of congress was so 
low that nothing could be obtained on its promi- 
ses, he was able to borrow, on his private credit, 
ten thousand dollars from the merchants of Bal- 
timore, with which he purchased shoes, linen, 
spirits, and other articles of immediate necessity, 
for his detachment: And it is not unworthy of 
notice, that every fair hand in Baltimore was 
promptly set in motion, in preparing his purcha- 
ses for immediate use. 

The following extract from a letter to general 
Greene from Mr. M' Henry, the president of the 
Baltimore board of war, exhibits the arduous situ- 

tr 



154 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

atiori and noble liberality of the marquis at this 
time: 

''- Baltimore, Jlpril 16, 1781. 
" While I admire your policy, I have more than 
once pitied the marquis'* situation. His troops 
passed here yesterday, discontented almost to 
general desertion; — destitute of shirts, and proper 
equipments, and, in most respects, unprovided 
for a march. You know the marquis: He has 
been with us but two days; but, in this time, he 
adopted an expedient to conciliate them to a 
degree, which no one but himself would have 
thought of. To-day, he signs a contract, binding 
himself to certain merchants of this place, for 
above two thousand guineas, to be disposed of in 
shirts, overalls, and hats, for the detachment. 
Without these the army could not proceed; and 
with these, he has managed to reconcile them to 
the service. He is also bent upon trying the 
power of novelty on their minds, by giving to the 
march the air of a frolic. His troops will ride in 
wagons and carts, from Elkridge landing to the 
limits of this state, and how much further he will 
continue this mode of movement, depends on 
Virginia." 

* In speaking of general La Fayette, the comprehensive term 
" the marquis,''^ was universally used^ and as universally under- 
stood. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 155 

In a letter from the marquis to general Greene, 
on the same subject, he observes: " As our brave 
and excellent men (for this detachment is exceed- 
ingly good,) are shockingly destitute of linen, I 
have borrowed from the merchants of Baltimore, 
a sum on my credit, which will amount to about 
two thousand pounds, and will procure a few hats, 
some shoes, some blankets, and a pair of linen 
overalls, to each man. I hope to set the Balti- 
more ladies at work for the shirts, which will be 
sent after me, and the overalls will be made by 
our tailors. I will use my influence to have the 
money added to the loan which the French court 
have made to the United States, and in case I 
cannot succeed, bind myself to the merchants 
for payment, with interest, in two years." 

Great and just was the eclat acquired by the 
marquis on the occasion. His contemporaries 
appeared at a loss which most to admire, his inge- 
nuity, magnanimity, decision, or engaging urban- 
ity. By these happy expedients, tranquillity and 
discipline were once more restored to his com- 
mand; and every wagon or cart that could be 
procured, being put in requisition, the troops 
were rapidly hurried forward to Richmond. The 
novelty and relief pleased the soldiers; the in- 
creasing distance from their homes diminished 
the facility of desertion; the baggage and artillery 
were left to follow on; and the time thus gained 



156 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

was barely sufficient to check the advance of 
general Philips. As La Fayette entered Richmond, 
the British army made its appearance at Man- 
chester, on the opposite bank of James River.* 

During this time, the inroads of Philips and Ar- 
nold into Virginia were signalised by devastation 
and pillage.f Embarking about twenty-five hun- 
dred men, Philips had ascended James River and 
landed below Petersburg. The next day he occu- 
pied that city, after some slight skirmishing with 
a body of militia under baron Steuben, amounting 
to only one thousand men, and pursuing the usual 
marauding system, he burned the ware-houses 
stored with tobacco, and all the vessels lying in 
the river. Every thing valuable was destroyed, 
and the wealth of this flourishing town, in a few 
hours, disappeared. Prosecuting this war of de- 
vastation, the gallant commanders separated in 
search of tobacco-houses, and re united their di- 
visions on the route to Manchester, a small vil- 
lage south of James River, and within view of the 
metropolis. Here the tobacco-war was renewed, 
great quantities of that article being found in the 
ware-houses. Nothing now remained on the 

* Johnson's Life Greene. Vol. II, chap. 12, p. 48 — 51. Marsh. 
Washington — Vol. IV. chap. VlII, p. 423, 424. 

t During these predatory excursions, the destruction, in the 
single article of tobacco was enormous; it amounted to about ten 
thousand hogsheads. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 157 

south side of James River, below the falls, for 
British fire; all the tobacco, every thing valuable 
within reach, were burnt, or conveyed on board 
ships. It was necessary to cross to Richmond, 
or lay aside the torch. 

But the opportune arrival of La Fayette, on the 
preceding evening, after a forced march of two 
hundred miles, put an insuperable bar to the pro- 
ject of taking the capital, and Richmond, in which 
a great proportion of the military stores of the 
state were then collected, was saved for the pre- 
sent, from the desolations of the enemy. At this 
place the marquis formed a junction with the 
baron Steuben, and found himself at the head of 
about one thousand regulars, two thousand mili- 
tia, and sixty dragoons, while the British force 
consisted of nearly four thousand veteran troops. -- 
A singular coincidence now presented itself to 
the public eye. The father of La Fayette had fal- 
len at the battle of Minden, by a shot from the 
artillery, then commanded by general Philips. 
This fact is noticed by the marquis in a letter to 
general Greene, touching his continuance in the 
command of Virginia. " I will now only mention, 
that general Philips' battery, at Minden, ha\'ing 
killed my father, I should have no objection to 
contract the latitude of his plans." At the same 
time general La Fayette modestly solicited to be 
confirmed in his command. As the direction of 



158 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the military operations in Virginia had been dele- 
gated to Steuben, whilst La Fayette was designed 
for a command in the main army, the baron had 
expressed the most serious chagrin at being su- 
perseded, at the very moment when an opportuni- 
ty presented itself for active service. To give 
umbrage to either of two officers whom he valued 
so highly, would have been, to general Greene, 
the subject of very great regret: all his address 
was necessary to manage so as to continue La 
Fayette in command, without disgusting a man 
whose zeal and fidelity had rendered him such 
important services. But Steuben had become un- 
popular in Virginia, and every thing was to be 
expected from the strong public partialities in 
favour of La Fayette, and the high opinion justly 
entertained of his capacity as a soldier, Greene 
addressed the baron as a friend, a man of under- 
standing, and a zealous advocate of the cause; 
and the latter submitted with a magnanimity and 
self denial, which furnish not the least of his 
claims to the gratitude of America.* 

Not thinking it advisable to attempt the pas- 
sage of the river. Philips marched back to Ber- 
muda Hundred, a point of land at the confluence 
of the James and Appomattox rivers, destroying 
in his way property to an immense amount. At 

* Johnson's Greene, Vol. II, p. 52, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 159 

that place he re-embarked his troops, and fell down 
as f^r as Hog Island, which he readied on the 
fifth of May. The marquis de La Fayette follow- 
ed cautiously on the north side of the river, until 
he reached the head waters of the Chickahominy, 
one of the branches of James River, behind which 
he took post, at the distance of eighteen miles 
from Richmond: — here he remained until Philips, 
by the command of Cornwallis, began to re-as- 
cend the river, for the purpose of forming a junc- 
tion at Petersburg. 

La l^'ayette now hastened back to Richmond; 
but having, on his arrival, been informed that 
Cornwallis was marching northward, and that 
Philips was again dis-embarking his army at Bran- 
don, the seat of Benjamin Harrison, Esq. on the 
south side of the river, he was persuaded that a 
junction of the two armies was intended, and 
hastened to take possession of Petersburg before 
Philips could reach that place. In this design, 
however, he was anticipated. The British gener- 
al advanced with equal rapidity, and being nearer 
to Petersburg, reached it first. Disappointed in 
this design. La Fayette encamped a few miles 
below Richmond, where he exerted himself to in- 
crease the ability of his army, by diminishing his 
baggage, establishing system and punctuahty in its 
several departments, and introducing throughout 
rigid discipline. 



160 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

The taking possession of Petersburg on the 
ninth of May, was the last exploit of general Phi- 
lips. He had been attacked by a fever some days 
before, the progress of which was so rapid, and 
its symptoms so malignant, that it baffled all me- 
dical exertions, and put a period to his life on the 
thirteenth of May. As an officer, he was univer- 
sally admired; and his military career, previous 
to his command in Yirginia, had been full of 
glory. But the friends of his fame have reason 
to regret that he did not die three weeks soon- 
er. By this event, the command of the army, de- 
volved on Arnold. 

Lord Cornwallis had moved from Wilmington 
on the twenty-fifth of April, and proceeded to- 
wards Halifax on the river Roanoke, preserving, 
as a brilliant contrast to the maraudings of Philips 
and Arnold, the country from devastation, and 
private property from spoliation. During the te- 
dious progress from Cape Fear to the Roanoke, 
he met with no interruption, and reached Halifax 
without at all disturbing the general torpor which 
prevailed throughout the country. At this place 
the restrained licentiousness of the unprincipled 
burst forth in shocking outrage upon the defence- 
less citizens, alike disgraceful to the British arms, 
and degrading to the name of man. But Corn- 
wallis, on learning these enormities, acted accord- 
ing to his natural humanity and moderation, and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 161 

commanded colonel Taiieton to dismount his 
dragoons, (who, with characteristic ferocity, had 
been the fit actors in the atrocious outrages that 
had been committed,) and to form them in such 
order as might be convenient for the inspection of 
the inhabitants, who were requested to designate 
the principal villains. A sergeant and one pri- 
vate being pointed out, and accused of rape and 
robbery, they were conducted back to Hahfax, 
tried by martial law, condemned to death, and 
immediately executed. 

Cornwallis, leaving Halifax, passed the Boan- 
oke, and detached Tarleton with his legion to the 
Meherrion, to take possession of the fords across 
that river; — lieutenant general Simcoe, with the 
queen's rangers being at the same time sent for- 
ward by Arnold to the Kottoway, for the like 
purpose. Ko interruption was attempted against 
either detachment, all the force assembled for 
the protection of the state being with La Fayette 
in his position near Richmond; and lord Corn- 
wallis, passing those rivers, entered Petersburg 
on the twentieth of May, when he took the gen- 
eral command of all the British forces. 

The British general now determined on a vi- 
gorous plan of offensive operations. After being 
re-enforced by two British regiments, and two 
battahons of Anspach, from New York, under 
general Leshe, his immediate object, with his 



j62 LIFE OF L\ FAYETTE. 

overwhelming superiority, was to bring the mar- 
quis to an action, which could not fail to termi- 
nate in his defeat. The field-force under Corn- 
wallis was not less than eight thousand; more 
than double of that acting under La Fayette. 
Besides which, his strength in horse, amounting 
to four hundred dragoons, and seven or eight 
hundred mounted infantry, added vastly to his 
superiority. La Fayette's force, in the camp be- 
low Richmond, did not exceed four thousand, of 
which three-fourths were maiitia. Baron Steuben, 
with six hundred levies, was ordered to the Point 
of Fork, the depot of most of the remaining mili- 
tary stores; and brigadier Wayne, with the Penn- 
sylvania line, now reduced to eight hundred, was 
on his march from the northern army to unite 
with La Fayette. 

Cornwallis, for the purpose of bringing his 
enemy to action, immediately put his troops in 
motion on the twenty-fourth of May, and passing 
the James Hiverat Westover, attempted, by turn- 
ing tlie left flank of the American army, to get into 
its rear. La Fayette was in no condition to risk 
an engagement. The native ardour of his temper, 
and the reluctance with which he exposed him- 
self to the charge of giving up the country with- 
out even an attempt to save it by an action, re- 
quired all the vigilance of his judgment, to re- 
strain him from hazarding more than his pre- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 163 

sent situation would justify. The main and im- 
mediate objects which it was now his duty to 
effect, were the security of the public stores, the 
preservation of his small army for future service, 
and a junction with the Pennsylvania line. As lord 
Cornwallis passed James River, the marquis aban- 
doned Richmond, after removing all the most 
valuable stores, and fell behind the Chickohominy 
river, in the direction towards Fredericksburg, 
for the double purpose of favouring the contem- 
plated junction with Wayne, and of covering the 
manufactory of arms in the vicinity of Falmouth. 

Cornwallis followed with zeal and rapidity, 
and crossing the Chickohominy at Bottom Bridge, 
manifested his determination to force La Fayette 
to battle before his junction with Wayne. He 
was so entirely confident of success against his 
young antagonist, that he imprudently remarked 
in a letter, which was intercepted, " the hoy can- 
not escape me.'' But a combination of talents and 
skill defeated all the energies of physical power, 
and the gallant '' boy" escaped to give new evi- 
dences at Yorktown, of his generosity and mo- 
desty, by declining to receive the sword of the 
captured Cornwallis himself. 

La Fayette moved with so much celerity and 
caution as to convince lord Cornwallis of the im- 
practicability of overtaking him, or of preventing 
his junction with Wayne. Before the British ar- 



164 I^I^K OF LA FAYETTE. 

my reached the Chickohominy, he had passed 
the Pamunkey, the southern branch of York Riv- 
er. Finding that the distance between his adver- 
sary and himself daily increased, Cornwallis halt- 
ed, and turned his attention to objects of less 
magnitude. He, accordingly, made two consi- 
derable detachments from his army, while en- 
camped in the county of Hanover; one for the 
purpose of destroying the magazines at the Point 
of Fork, then undei* the protection of baron Steu- 
ben with his raw levies, and the other, for seiz- 
ing the members of the general assembly con- 
vened at Charlotteville, a small town on the wes- 
tern bank of the Rivannah, a northern branch of 
James River Simcoe, who commanded the first, 
by the rapidity of his march, as well as the pre- 
cipitate retreat of the baron, succeeded in destroy- 
ing the military stores; and Tarleton, who led the 
detachment against Charlotteville, was equally 
successful in destroying the stores at that place: 
but nearly all the members of the legislature 
made their escape. In the meantime. La Fay- 
ette continued to letreat, and to keep up his com- 
munication with the north, passed the Rapidan, 
the southern branch of the Rapahannoc. The 
movements of the two armies had thrown Corn- 
waUis completely between La Fayette and the 
military stores which had been transported from 
Richmond up James River, and deposited princi- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 165 

pally at Albemarle old court-house. The British 
genera] therefore directed his march towards that 
place. La Fayette had now effected a junction 
with the Pennsylvania hne, consisting of eight 
hundred men under general V^ ayne. Embolden- 
ed by this re-enforcement, he lost no time in re- 
crossing the Rapidan, and moving towards the 
enemy. He arrived and encamped within a few 
miles of the British army, when they were yet 
more than a day's march from their point of des- 
tination. Cornwallis was willing that his antago- 
nist should proceed on the experiment of pre- 
serving the stores at Albemarle old court-house, 
and continued in his position convenient to his 
adversary's presumed route, with a detachment 
to fall upon him in his progress. Thus, in the 
opinion of Cornwallis, he was effectually cut off 
from the route by which alone he could reach 
the objects which he was hazarding every thing 
to secure. Never was disappointment more com- 
plete than that of the British commander, when, 
on the morning of the fifteenth of June, he found 
his youthful foe in his front, strongly re-enforc- 
ed, and occupying a position from which he could 
not be easily forced, and would not be tempted. 
La Fayette's discernment and activity had com- 
pletely baffled his views. He discovered, and 
opened in the night, a road which was nearer to 
Albemarle, but had long been disused, and cros- 



166 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

sed the ftivaiinah before Cornwallis was acquain- 
ted with his having reached it. Then, taking 
post behind Mechunck's creek, he sat down on 
the direct route from the British camp to Albe- 
marle. The following is the modest account giv- 
en of this masterly movement, by the author of it: 
" In the meantime, the British army was moving 
to the Point of Fork, with intention to strike our 
magazine at Albemarle old court house. C^ur 
force was not equal to their defence; and a delay 
of our junction would have answered the views 
of the enemy. But, on the arrival of the Penn- 
sylvanians, we made forched marches towards 
James River, and on our gaining the South Anna, 
we found lord Cornwallis encamped some miles 
below the camp of Fork. A stolen march, 
through a difficult road, gave us a position upon 
Mechunck creek, between the enemy and our 
stores, where, agreeably to appointment, we were 
joined by a body of riflemen." 

The expedition against Albemarle was now re- 
linquished, and the British general drawing in his 
van corps, fell back, on the ensuing day, towards 
Eichmond. This movement excited considera- 
ble surprise, as, notwithstanding the junction of 
Wayne, and the succeeding re-enforcement of 
riflemen under Clarke, Cornwallis continued to 
possess a decided superiority of force, both in 
quality and number. By some it was attributed 



LIFE OF LA FAYET'ra. 167 

to the difficulties which he apprehended near the 
mountains, when even a victory might be attend- 
ed with no decisive consequences: hence he chose 
to transfer the war to the lower country, the 
face of which was more favourable to his views. 
But the change in his conduct is now known 
to have been owing to orders from his superior. 
Fabius Maximus Quintus, when warring against 
Bannibal, avoided open action, but successful- 
ly and continually harrassed him by counter- 
marches and ambuscades, and all these difficult 
manoeuvres which distinguish the experienced 
and calculating commander. There is no other 
mode by which an inferior force can act with effica- 
cy against an enemy both numerically and scien- 
tifically superior. Hannibal sent word to Fabius. 
that " if he was as great a captain as he would 
be thought, he ought to come into the plain and 
give him battle." Fabius cooly replied, that " if he 
was as great a captain as he would be thought he 
would do well to force him to fight." Such were 
precisely the relative situations of La Fayette and 
the enemy. The former gained every thing by 
avoiding a general action, which would enevita- 
bly have resulted in his destruction, while the 
latter found himself incessantly harrassed, his 
power to destroy restricted, and his progress re- 
tarded and endangered, by the rapid movements, 



168 LIFE OP LA PAYETTE. 

indefatigable vigilance, and masterly railitary skill 
of general La Fayette. 

As soon as the retreat of Cornwallis was as- 
certained, La Fayette put his army in motion, and 
followed with undiminished circumspection, tak- 
ing care to keep the command of the upper coun- 
try, and to avoid a general engagement. He 
held his main body, lietween twenty and thirty 
miles in the rear of the foe, and explored his front 
and flanks with his cavalry and riflemen. On the 
fifteenth of June, the British general reached 
ly estham, without making a single effort to strike 
his following enemy, and on the subsequent day, 
entered Richmond, where he halted. La Fay- 
ette took a strong position on Allen's creek, in 
the county of Goochland, twenty-two miles from 
Cornwallis. After a few days, the latter resumed 
his march, and entered Williamsburg on the 
twenty-fifth of June. 

On the eighteenth of June, while in his camp 
above Richmond, the marquis was joined by ba- 
ron Steuben, with his corps of levies, amounting 
to between five and six hundred. His army was 
now increased to four thousand men, of whom 
two thousand one hundred were regulars; but 
only one thousand five hundred were veteran 
troops. Stili, however, Cornwallis was superior in 
number by a third, and his army was composed 
entirely of veterans furnished with a powerful and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. |6^ 

well mounted cavalry, who had spread terror as 
well as desolation through the country, and had 
greatly intimidated the militia. 

During the retreat of the enemy to Williams- 
burg, no attempt was made by either general to 
disturb the other; a game, of all others, the most 
to be desired by La Fayette, as the campaign was 
wasting without improvement by his superior foe. 
He merely caused his light parties to press on 
their rear, which was covered by a strong corps 
imder major Siracoe. That officer was overta- 
ken by colonel Butler about six miles from Wil- 
liamsburg, to which he was proceeding from the 
destruction of a few boats and stores on the 
Chickohominy. A sharp action ensued, attended 
with loss on both sides; but the Americans were 
compelled to retire by the approach of the whole 
British army, which had moved, on hearing the 
first fire, to shield Simcoe. La Fayette claimed 
the advantage in this rencontre, and stated the 
enemy's loss to be sixty killed, and one hundred 
wounded. 

After this skirmish, the marquis encamped 
about twenty miles above Williamsburg, in a se- 
cure position near James river, interposing the 
Chickohominy between him and the enemy. 

Intercepted letters had disclosed to sir Henry 
Clinton the designs meditated against the seat of 
the British power in the United States, and he, 



170 I^IFE OF Lx\ FAYETTE. 

becoming alarmed for the safety of New '^ork, 
required the return of a part of the troops in Yir- 
ginia. Lord Cornwallis, supposing himself too 
weak, after complying with this requisition, to 
remain at Williamsburg, resolved to pass James 
River and retire to Portsmouth. He accordingly 
left that city on the fourth of July, having decided 
to cross at James City Island, and encamped 
along the river, having his right covered by a 
pond, and the centre and left by swamps. On the 
fifth and sixth, a small number of troops, and all 
the baggage, artillery, and munitions, were trans- 
ported across the river, and Cornwallis intended 
to have passed his army on the seventh. 

The morning after the evacuation of Williams- 
burg, La Fayette put his army in motion, with the 
intention of falling upon the rear of the enemy, 
when a major part of his army should have passed, 
or was passing, the river. Crossing the Chickohom- 
iny, he pushed his best troops within eight miles of 
the British camp. On the morning of the sixth, he 
prepared to advance, believing that the hour was at 
hand for striking the meditated blow, as he had been 
accurately informed of the passage of troops on the 
fourth, and the continued crossing and recrossing 
of the boats ever since. All the intelligence re- 
ceived by La Fayette, concurred in the representa- 
tion that the greater part of the British army had 
passed over into the island of Jamestown, in the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 171 

night, and every appearance was calculated to coun- 
tenance the opinion that had heen formed. 

But lord Cornwallis suspected the design of La 
Fajette, and was confident that the opportunity af- 
forded by his crossing James river, would be seized 
with ardour by his youthful antagonist. He heard 
with pleasure that the American forces were draw- 
ing near, and adopted proper measures to encourage 
their advance. The British light parties were all 
drawn in, their troops were held compact, covering 
as little ground as possible in their march and in 
camp, and the piquets, which lay close to the en- 
campment, were ordered to fall back with the ap- 
pearance of alarm and confusion, as soon as they 
should be seriously attacked. 

General La Fayette had detached some riflemen 
and militia to harrass the outposts of the enemy, 
while he advanced at the head of the continental 
troops, in order to cut off their rear, should the in- 
telligence he had received of the passage of the main 
body, be well founded. The enemy's piquets were 
briskly attacked, and losing some of their men, kill- 
ed, wounded, and taken, fell back in confusion up- 
on the legion-horse, drawn up in their rear. Em- 
boldened by this successful onset, the Americans 
continued to advance, and took post in a ditch, under 
cover of a rail-fence. After a keen conflict of some 
minutes, they fell back upon general Wayne, who 
was formed in close order in an adjacent wood. 



17E LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

That brave officer, who commanded the vaii-guard, 
now discovered the whole British army in order of 
hattle, moving out against him. A retreat was im- 
possible, and the boldest, had become the safest mea- 
sure. Advancing rapidly, he made a gallant charge 
on the British line, with his small detachment, not 
exceeding eight hundred men, and the warm action 
which ensued, was kept up with great spirit for 
several minutes. 

La Fayette, who arrived a little before sun-set, 
began soon to apprehend that the expected covering 
party would turn out to be the British army, and 
determined, by reconnoitring, to judge of the ene- 
my's strength from his own observation. He soon 
became convinced that his apprehensions were well 
founded, and immediately hastened to draw off his 
troops. On his return, finding Wayne closely en- 
gaged, and his flanks nearly enveloped, he directed 
him to retreat, and form in a line with the light in- 
fantry, then drawn up about half a mile in the rear. 
This was instantly executed through the favour of 
a dark night, with the loss of two field pieces, the 
horses attached to them being killed. The whole 
army then retreated the distance of six miles, when 
La Fayette, finding that the enemy did not pursue, 
encamped for the night. 

No pursuit was even attempted by Cornwallis, 
who returned, immediately after the battle closed, 
to his camp. The night, the nature of the country^ 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 17S 

broken with woods and marshes, but especially the 
suspicion that the retreat was a stratagem of the 
American general, to draw him into an ambuscade, 
induced the British commander to decline all pur- 
suit. In the course of the night he crossed over into 
the island, and soon after proceeded to Portsmouth, 
in order to embark the troops, which Clinton ex- 
pected at New York. La Fayette retired with the 
greater part of his army, having dismissed all his 
militia, to the forks of York river, where it was 
permitted to repose itself, all active operations hav- 
ing ceased. During the action near Jamestown, his 
person was greatly exposed, and he had a horse kil- 
led under him.* 

Thus terminated the summer campaign of lord 
Cornwallis, in Virginia. He was at the head of an 
army completely fitted for the arduous scenes of 
war, warmly attached to their commander, proud jn 
its knowledge of its own ability, and ready to en- 
counter every difficulty and danger. On the other 
hand, the inferiority of La Fayette in numbers, in 
quality, in cavalry, in arms and equipment, was ve- 
ry great and well known. — ^Although, says Mar- 
shall, no brilHant service was achieved by this young 
nobleman, the campaign in Virginia enhanced his 

* For accounts of this action. Vide, Marshall's Washington, 
Vol. IV, p. 440, 1, 2. Botta's American War Book XIII. H. Lee's 
Afemoirs, Vol. II, §22— 231. Ramsay's Hevolut. p. 550. Mem. His- 
tor. sur. M. de La Fayette, p, 18. Thacher's Journal, p. 530. 



174 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

military reputation, and raised him in tlie general 
esteem. That, with so decided an inferiority of ef- 
fective force, and especially of cavalry, he had been 
able to keep the field in an open country, and to 
preserve a great proportion of his military stores^ 
as v^^ell as his army, was believed to furnish unequi- 
vocal evidence of the prudence and vigour of his 
conduct. 

The omission of lord Cornwallis to compel La 
Fayette, manoeuvring in his face in an open country, 
to battle, is inexplicable. Such an event, with his 
vast superiority of force, would have proved the 
ruin of the American army, which was frequently 
and unavoidably in situations where no military 
skill could have prevented a general engagement. 
The American general, says an actor in those 
scenes, had great difficulties to surmount, as well 
as to guard against his formidable foe, pressing 
him on his retreat. Wayne, directing his most 
efficient aid, was far to his right; and the baron 
Steuben, with the Virginia levies, was as far on his 
left. The public stores were deposited in several 
magazines accessible to the enemy; and the great 
body of the inhabitants below the mountains were 
flying from their homes, with their wives, their 
children, and the most valuable of their personal 
property, to seek protection in the mountains. 
The state authorities, executive and legislative, 
like the flying inhabitants, had been driven from 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 175 

the seat of government, chased from Charlotte- 
ville; and, at length, compelled to interpose the 
Blue Ridge between themselves and the enemy, 
to secure a resting place at Staunton. 

In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of 
peril, La Fayette was collected and undismayed. 
With zeal, with courage, and with sagacity, he 
discharged his arduous duties; and throughout 
his difficult retreat, was never brought even to 
array, but once, in order for battle. Invigorating 
our councils by his precepts; dispelling our des- 
pondency by his example; and encouraging his 
troops to submit to their many privations, by the 
cheerfulness with which he participated in their 
wants, he imparted the energy of his own mind 
to the country, and infused his high toned spirit 
into his army.* His efforts were crowned with 
success, and the young Frenchman, with the 
judgment, skill, and prudence of a veteran, seared 
the laurels of that British general, who, in the 
north and in the south, in the cabinet and in the 
field, had stood pre-eminent, — the bulwark of 
great Britain — the terror of America. 

No American ought to pass over the interest- 
ing occurrences of this period without reflecting, 
that the defence of the great state of Virginia, and 
with it, of all the states in the Union, was con- 

* H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. II, p. 23S. 



176 LIFK OF LA FAYETTE 

ducted with consummate fidelity and skill, by two 
foreigners, whom the voice of Providence had 
called to our aid from countries almost unknown 
to us, and from nations which, until that time, we 
had regarded only with feelings of hostility.* 

Cornwallis, when he reached Portsmouth, pro- 
ceeded with dihgence to embark the troops des- 
tined for the defence of New York: in the mean- 
time, however, he received countermanding or- 
ders, directing him to return to Williamsburg, to 
retain all the troops he had with him, and instead 
of Portsmouth, to establish the intended post at 
Old Point Comfort. The principal causes which 
determined general Clinton to embrace this new 
resolution, were the arrival from Europe of a re- 
enforcement consisting of three thousand Ger- 
mans, and his desire to open a passage by way of 
Hampton and the James River, towards that fer- 
tile and populous part of Virginia which lies be- 
tween the James and York rivers: The report of 
the engineer and navy officers, appointed to ex, 
amine Old Point Comfort, was unfavourable, and 
lord Cornwallis, coinciding in the same opinion, 
selected York and Gloucester, not far above the 
mouth of York River, instead of the former place. 

York town is a port of entry, and post-town, of 
Virginia, and the capital of York county. It is 

* Johnson's Life (Jrreene, Vol. 11, p. 58. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I77 

agreeably situated on the south side of York Riv- 
er, which is here contracted to the breadth of a 
mile, and confined by very high banks, close un- 
der v^^hich vessels of the largest burden may ride 
with safety. On the opposite, or left bank, of the 
river is situated Gloucester, a smaller town, built 
upon a point of land projecting into the river. 
A marshy stream flowing on the right of York- 
town; and in front of the place, for the distance 
of a mile, the ground is open and level. As the 
spot which proved the terminating scene of the 
revolution, its name will be revered by posteri- 
ty, while liberty has an advocate, and reason and 
humanity, a friend. 

Before the twenty- third of August, 1781, the 
whole British force had concentrated in the po- 
sition of York and Gloucester. With a regular 
army of more than seven thousand men, lord 
Cornwallis had retreated to the sea-coast betbre 
one of not more than two thousand, three hun- 
dred, regulars; he had first crowded the trans- 
ports which had been sent from New York, with 
his troops, then re-landed them, and finally, 
breaking up from Portsmouth and Norfolk, took 
up his head-quarters at York-town. Upon this 
ground, he appHed his attention to intrench him- 
self in the strongest possible manner, and pressed 
forward, with zeal and assiduity, the completion 
of his fortifications. 



178 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

As soon as La Fayette received intelligence of 
the new position taken by Cornwallis, he re-cros- 
sed the Pamunkey, and took post in the county 
of New Kent, lie had no intention of attacking 
the enemy, because, at that period, his force did 
not admit of it; but he was disposed, at least, to 
harrass them, to repress their excursions, and to 
prevent their foraging in the country. In the de- 
fence of Virginia, with which he had been en- 
trusted by Washington, he had acquitted himself 
in the most satisfactory and masterly manner; 
sometimes by his manoeuvres, holding the great- 
est British general in America, in check, — some- 
times combating him with vigour, — he had now 
conducted him to a place, where he might hope 
to be assisted by the powerful French fleet that 
was expected on the American coast. 

At a conference held between Washington and 
Kochambeau, the siege of New York had been 
resolved upon by the two generals, who agreed 
that it was necessary to wrest from the English 
that shelter which, from the commencement of 
hostilities to the present hour, had been so fa- 
vourable to their interests. All the movements 
of the combined armies were, from that time, di- 
rected towards this object. — But it is not our pro- 
vince particularly to detail the causes which led 
to the relinquishment of that plan, and transferred 
the principal scene of war to the state of Virginia. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I79 

Suffice it to say, that the arrival of the German 
re-euforcements at New York, the great strength 
of the garrison, the failure of the states in filling 
up their battalions and embodying their militia, 
and, especially, recent intelligence from the count 
de Grasse that his destination was fixed to the 
Chesapeake, made a total change in the plan of 
the campaign. General Washington had enter- 
tained apprehensions, early in the month of Au- 
gust, that he would be unable to accomplish his 
favourite object, and took the precaution of plac- 
ing himself in the most convenient condition to 
march to Virginia, should he be compelled to 
abandon the design on New York. — ^Never was a 
game better played when the commander-in-chief 
at length made his final decision to march against 
Cornwallis. Notwithstanding he had changed his 
plan, he resolved to nourish the fears of his ad- 
versary for New^ York, by a series of the most 
spirited demonstrations, so that he might not pen- 
etrate his real design and throw obstacles in the^ 
way of its accomplishment. The various strata- 
gems practised to deceive sir Henry CHnton per- 
fectly succeeded; and that general, full of appre- 
hensions for the safety of N ew York, was inde- 
fatigable in multiplying its defences. 

The change in the plan of operations, which 
had before been suggested to La Fayette as pro- 
bable, was now communicated to that noblenian, 



180 LI^I^ OF LA FAYETTE. 

as certain; and he was requested to make such a 
disposition of his army as should be bes^t calcula- 
ted to prevent lord Cornwallis from saving him- 
self by a sudden march to Charleston. He also 
addressed the governor of Virginia, urging him to 
exert all his powers in preparing certain specified 
aids of men, provisions, wagons, and implements, 
which the conjuncture demanded. The most posi- 
tive intelligence was soon received by La Fayette, 
that lord Cornwallis intended to penetrate, with 
his army from York to South Carolina, by land, 
and that in consequence of the arrival of the 
French fleet, he was about moving from York to 
James River, and was getting his boats across 
from Queen's creek to the College-landing, to go 
from thence to James town, and then crossing 
James River to Col)hams, to proceed from that 
place to South Carohna. These indications of a 
movement to the south were immediately com- 
municated to general Greene, who, in order to 
counteract it, crossed the Santee river on the 
twelfth of September, and despatched orders in 
every direction for the collection of re-enforce- 
ments. General La Fayette and governor Burke 
had been long on their guard against this move- 
ment. The former moved to the bank of James 
River to counteract it; and i^luhlenburg was 
thrown across the river to place himself in lord 
Cornwallis' front; — not with the hope of resisting 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 181 

him in his progress, but with a view to precede 
him, and by destroying all the means of subsis- 
tence and transportation, to impede his progress 
until he could be overtaken by a force competent 
to cope with him.* 

Upon the first intelligence of this movement 
of Cornwallis, the most animated measures were 
adopted by governor Burke, to co-operate with 
Muhlenburg. Every boat on the Koanoke, Neuse, 
and Meherrin, were secured under guard or de- 
stroyed; every crossing place guarded, and cros- 
sed by abatis; and the militia were ordered out en 
masse. The whole state of North Carolina, from 
the Dan to the sea-coast, appears to have been 
set in motion by this active governor. 

Lord Cornwallis had provided a number of 
boats, transportable on wagons, in the nature of 
pontons; and the reasons which led to the relin- 
quishment of his project of retreat southwardly, 
are easily deducible from the occurrences of the 
day. The French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake 
on the first of September; a few days after, the Bri- 
tish fleet, under admiral Greaves, made its ap- 
pearance, and count de Grasse stood out of the 
Chesapeake, and engaged him, having first fur- 
nished an accession of strength to La Fayette, 
which put it in his power to advance upon, and 

* Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. IT, chap. XVI, p. 243. et seq. 



182 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

alarm, his adversary. This was the period of the 
attempt of lord Cornwallis to escape into Carolina, 
and also, of its relinquishment. The arrival of the 
French fleet suggested the movement; its depar- 
ture delayed it, until he found himself environed 
with difficulties. Below him, he saw the whole 
country in arms to oppose his retreat, whilst 
Greene waited in the south to receive him on the 
point of the bayonet; above him, La Fayette watch- 
ed his opportunity of striking when he should ex- 
pose his flank; towards the ocean, the face of the 
bay was covered with the fleets of France, and 
Washington was advancing to seize him in his 
toils. Yet, it was not until the thirtieth of Septem- 
ber, that he found himself entirely hemmed in on 
the south, and compelled to cover himself be- 
neath the shield of his entrenchments. 

On the thirtieth of August, the count de Grasse 
arrived in the Chesapeake with twenty-eight sail 
of the line and several frigates. As soon as he 
anchored, he was boarded by an officer from La 
Fayette, announcing his situation, and that of the 
enemy. In consequence of this information, he 
immediately detached four ships of the line to 
block up York River, and employed some of his 
frigates in conveying the land forces, brought 
from the West Indies under the command of the 
marquis de St. Simon, up James River, to form a 
junction with La Fayette at Williamsburg. These 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 183 

troops were principally drawn from the garrison 
of St. Domingo, and amounted to three thousand, 
two hundred men. General La Fayette was ex- 
tremely gratified by being re-enforced with so con- 
siderable a number of his own countrymen, and 
at the increasing prospect of being able to render 
important services to a cause in which he had 
engaged with such noble and inextinguishable ar- 
dour. He had, moreover, felt some disquietude 
relative to his position. He was apprehensive 
that Cornwallis, perceiving the circle that was 
traced around him, would profit of the superior- 
ity which he still possessed, and by faUing upon, 
and overwhelming, him, escape into the CaroH- 
nas. — On the twenty-fifth of August, the count de 
Barras sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, with 
eight ships of the line, and fourteen transports 
laden with heavy artillery and military stores, pro- 
per for carrying on a siege, and formed a junc- 
tion Avith de Grasse on the fourteenth of Septem- 
ber, in the Chesapeake. 

On the fifth of September, a British fleet, com- 
manded by admiral Greaves, appeared off^ the 
Chesapeake bay. Orders were immediately given 
by de Grasse for the ships to sUp their cables. 
and leaving their anchorage ground, severally to 
form the line as they should come up. An inde- 
cisive engagement took place, and neither admi- 
ral could claim the victory. For five successive 



184 WFE m LA FAYETTE. 

days, the hostile fleets continued in view of each 
other, and as the French generally maintained the 
wind, it was in the power of de Grasse at any 
time to renew the engagement. But the capture 
of the British army in Virginia, was an object of 
too much importance to be put in hazard by an 
action, which might have lost the command of 
the Chesapeake. He was sensible of his advanta- 
ges, and would not refer to the caprices of fortune, 
the decision of events which he considered him- 
self as already certain of controlHng. Be fought 
for the undisturbed possession of the Chesapeake, 
and this was yielded by the enemy's return into 
port. A chief object, moreover, was to cover the 
fleet of count de Barras, expected from Rhode 
Island, whom, on his return, he found safely an- 
chored in the Chesapeake, having passed the Bri- 
tish squadron in the night.* 

In the mean time general Washington prepa- 
red to execute the new plan of operations which 
he had formed. On the nineteenth of August, the 
whole American army was put in motion, and on 
the twentieth and twenty-first, the troops crossed 
the Hudson, and proceeded by forced marches 
through New Jersey, to Trenton upon the Dela- 
ware. The allied army pressed its march with 

* Botta's Amer. War, Vol. Hi, Book XIII, p. 382, 3. H. Lee's 
Memoirs, Vol. 11, Chap. XXXIV, p. 317—320. Marshall's Wasli- 
ington, Vol. IV, Chap. IX, p. 470—472. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 185 

all possible despatch; and the van dmsion, when 
it reached Elkton on the northern extremity of 
the Chesapeake bay, embarked in transports col- 
lected for its conveyance. The centre division 
continued its march to Baltimore, where it also 
embarked; and the remainder of the troops, and 
some of the baggage, proceeded by land through 
Alexandria and Fredericksburg. 

General Washington, attended by the count de 
Rochambeau and the chevalier de ChastelleuXj 
reached Williamsburg, the head-quarters of La 
Fayette, on the fourteenth of September, and 
proceeding immediately to Hampton, went on 
board the Ville de Paris, where the plan of the 
siege was concerted with count de Grasse. — The 
gallant La Fayette now had a fresh opportunity of 
exerting his personal influence in favour of the 
land in defence of whose liberties he had shed his 
blood. De Grasse, having received information 
that six ships of the line, under the command of 
admiral Digby, had reached New York, consider- 
ed it certain that the British fleet would be in- 
duced, by this addition to its strength, to attempt 
every thing for the relief of lord Cornwallis. 
Thinking his present situation unfavourable for a 
naval combat, he designed to change it; and com- 
municated to general Washington his intentions 
to leave a few frigates, to block up the mouths of 
James and York Kivers, and to put to sea with his 

A a 



186 LIFE 0¥ LA FAYETTE. 

fleet in quest of the enemy. If they should not 
have left tlie harbour of New York, he proposed 
to block them up in that place. The commander- 
in-chief was exceedingly alarmed at this com- 
munication, ^uch a measure would have expos- 
ed to the caprice of fortune, an event of infinite 
importance, which was now reduced to almost 
certain calculation. The marquis de La Fayette 
was accordingly despatched on board the Ville de 
Paris, with a letter dissuading count de Grasse 
from so dangerous a measure; but it is believed 
that, without the interference and personal appli- 
cation of the marquis, the French admiral would 
have persevered in carrying into execution a de- 
sign, which might have given to the enemy, du- 
ring his absence, a temporary naval superiority in 
those waters, and the army of Cornwallis might 
then, with the loss of his artillery, and a few men, 
have been placed in perfect security. When we 
consider that the capture of Cornwallis sealed the 
destinies of the union, — that his escape would 
have protracted the war, and entirely changed 
the prosperous aspect of public affairs — and that 
a long series of bloodshed and desolation would 
have been thereby renewed, — we must regard 
this happy exercise of personal influence and per- 
suasive talent, as one among the brightest acts in 
his American career of glory. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. X87 

The last division of the allied army landed in 
the neighbourhood of Williamsburg, on the twen- 
ty-fifth of September, and the whole force being 
now collected, it moved, on the twenty-eighth, in 
four columns, towards ^'ork-town, and sat down 
about two miles in front of the enemy. The next 
day the right wing, consisting of Americans, ex- 
tended further to the right, and occupied the 
ground east of Beaver-dam creek; while the left 
wing, consisting of the French, was stationed on 
the west side of that creek. In the course of the 
night, lord Cornwallis withdrew within his inner 
lines, and the subsequent day, the abandoned 
ground was occupied by Washington, ready to 
open trenches, whenever the ordnance, and other 
requisite implements, arrived at camp. Notwith- 
standing his indefatigable exertions, their trans- 
portation was not completed before the sixth of 
October. In the mean time a rigid blockade of 
the post of Gloucester was instituted by general 
Choise, after a sharp skirmish, which resulted in 
the defeat of the British. 

On the night of the sixth of October, the first 
parallel was commenced within six hundred yards 
of the British lines, and as every man observed 
profound silence, no discovery of the operation 
took place before the return of daylight, by wMch 
time the trenches were in such forwardness as 
to cover the men. Before the tenth, several 



188 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

batteries and redoubts were completed along the 
fosse, many of them mounted, which, opening in 
succession, dismounted and silenced a number of 
the enemies' guns, and demolished their works in 
different places. When all the batteries on the 
first parallel were completed, the fire, on the 
eleventh and twelfth, became so heavy, that it 
tore in pieces most of the enemies' batteries, dis- 
mounting their ordnance in every direction. The 
shells and red hot balls reached even the ships in 
the harbour, where the Charon, of forty-four guns, 
and three transports, vfere entirely consumed. 

Washington now continued to urge his opera- 
tions, and, on the night of the eleventh, opened 
his second parallel, within three hundred yards oj^ 
the British lines. The same order was given, 
commanding silence, which was strictly observed, 
and the trench was nearly completed before the 
dawn of day. Notwithstanding the unexampled 
rapidity with which the siege was conducted, and 
the unexpected condition in which he now found 
himself involved, lord Cornwalhs, relying on 
succour from Kew York, determined, with un- 
appalled courage, to maintain his lines. He en- 
deavoured to arrest the progress of the besiegers 
by a deluge of bombs and balls, and during the 
three succeeding days, which were devoted to the 
completion of the second parallel, and of the bat- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 189 

teries constructed in it, the fire of the garrison 
became more destructive that at any other time. 
Two redoubts, advanced three hundred yards 
in front of the enemy's works, flanked the second 
parallel, and directed their fire with severe effecto 
It was necessary to possess these redoubts, and 
Washington determined to silence them with the 
bayonet. To avail himself of the spirit of emula- 
tion existing between the troops of the two na- 
tions, the attack of the one was committed to the 
Americans, and of the other, to the French. The 
American detachment composed of light infantry, 
was commanded by the marquis de La Fayette, 
who conducted the assault in person, and the 
baron de Viominil led the grenadiers and chas- 
seurs of France, against the redoubt, which, being 
further towards the British right, approached ra- 
ther nearer to the French lines. Major Camp- 
bell, with sixty men, defended the first, and lieu- 
tenant-colonel Johnson, with one hundred and 
seventy men, defended the latter, redoubt. On 
the fourteenth of October, as soon as it was dark, 
the two detachments marched with equal firm- 
ness to the assault. The attack was extremely 
impetuous. On its success depended, in a great 
measure, that of the siege. Relying entirely on 
their bayonets, the Americans advanced with un- 
loaded arms, and rushed to the charge with so 
much ardour, that they did not allow the sappers 



190 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

time to remove the abatis and palisades. Passing 
over them, they assaulted the works with irresis- 
tible impetuosity on all sides at once, and enter- 
ed them with such rapidity, that their loss was 
inconsiderable, and the enemy, astonished at so 
much audacity, was instantly overpowered. Ma- 
jor Campbell, a captain, an ensign, and seventeen 
privates, were made prisoners; eight privates 
were killed, and a few escaped. On the part of 
the Americans, one sergeant and eight privates, 
were killed; and one lieutenant-colonel, four cap- 
tains, one subaltern, one sergeant, and twenty- 
five rank and file wounded. — The redoubt upon 
the left made a more formidable resistance; but 
the intrepidity of the assailants was irresistible, 
and it was carried with the bayonet. The com- 
mandant escaped; eighteen men were killed; and 
forty-two, among whom were a captain and two 
subaltern officers, were made prisoners. The 
loss of the assailants was very severe, being 
about one hundred in killed and wounded. 

The humanity of the conquerors was equal to 
their courage. Notwithstanding the recent horrid 
and barbarous outrage committed at Fort Gris- 
wold, in Connecticut, where the greater part of 
the garrison was murdered in cold blood by a 
detachment under the command of the apostate 
Arnold, who reduced the town of New London to 
ashes, and where the sword surrendered by the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE- 191 

commanding officer of the fort, colonel Ledyard, 
was immediately plunged into his bosom,— not- 
withstanding these diabolical deeds,--the irritation 
which they produced had not so far subdued the 
humanity of the American character as to induce 
retaliation. Not a man was killed except in ac- 
tion. '^ Incapable," said colonel Hamilton in his 
report, " of imitating examples of barbarity, and 
forgetting recent provocation, the soldiery spared 
every man that ceased to resist." Nevertheless, 
Mr. Gordon, in his Flistory of the i\.merican war, 
states that orders were given by La Fayette, with 
the approbation of Washington, that every man 
in the redoubt, after its surrender, should be put 
to the sword. This charge is absolutely false. 
These sanguinary orders, so repugnant to the 
character of Washington, and of La Fayette, were 
never given. There is no trace of them among 
the papers of the commander in-chief; and colo- 
nel Hamilton, whose participation in the enter- 
prise assures his perfect knowledge of every ma- 
terial occurrence, has publicly contradicted the 
statement* 

V^ ashington was highly gratified with the 
splendid termination of this double assault, which 
was no less useful to the allies than it was hon- 
ourable to their arms. He remarks in his diary, 

* MarshalPs Life Washingtoo, Vol. IV, Chap. IX, p. 4?>&.note. 
Garden's Anecdotes, p. 308. 



192 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

that " the bravery exhibited by the attacking 
troops was emulous and praiseworthy. Few 
cases have exhibited greater proofs of intrepidity, 
coolness, and firmness, than were shown on this 
occasion." The orders of the succeeding day ex- 
pressed a high sense of the judicious dispositions 
and gallant conduct of both the marquis de La 
Fayette and the baron de Viominil, and conclude 
in the following manner: " The general reflects, 
^vith the highest degree of pleasure, on the con- 
fidence which the troops of the two nations must 
hereafter have in each other. Assured of mutual 
support, he is convinced there is no danger w^hich 
they will not cheerfully encounter,— no difficulty 
which they will not bravely overcome." 

Nothing could exceed the vigor with which 
Washington now urged on his operations: before 
day-light the two redoubts were included in the 
second parallel; and by five in the afternoon some 
howitzers, which had been placed in them, were 
opened on the besieged. 

The situation of Cornwallis was now become 
desperate: he perfectly foresaw that when the be- 
siegers should have opened the fire of the batte- 
ries of their second parallel, all means of resis- 
tance would be at an end. The greater part of 
his artillery was dismounted, broken, or other- 
wise disabled; the walls were crumbled into the 
ditchesj in a word, almost all the defences were 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 193 

razed. He therefore resolved, by a vigorous sor- 
tie, to retard, as rruch as possible, the completion 
of the batteries in the second parallel. A detach- 
ment, accordingly, sallied from the town, on the 
night of the sixteentJi of October, who made 
themselves masters of two batteries, guarded by 
French troops. But they were furiously charged 
by the Vicomte de Noailles, who drove them be- 
fore him into the town, and the few cannon which 
they had hastily spiked, were soon rendered fit 
for service. 

Cornwallis now found himself reduced to the 
alternative of surrendering, or of attempting his 
escape. Incapable of submitting so long as such 
an event could possibly be avoided, he proposed, 
with profound secrecy, to pass his army in the 
night to Gloucester, garnishing the works with 
his convalescents, and leaving behind his baggage 
of every sort, his sick, wounded, shipping, and 
stores. He intended, after cutting to pieces, or 
dispersing the troops which invested Gloucester, 
to force his way through Maryland, Pennsylva- 
nia, and New Jersey, and form a junction with 
the army in New York. In prosecution of this 
bold and desperate attempt, he passed over, early 
in the night, the first division of his army to Glou- 
cester, the other division being ready to embark 
for the same shore as soon as the boats returned. 
But the decree of Providence rendered his plan 

B b 



194 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

abortive. A violent storm of wind and rain sud- 
denly arose, and forced the returning boats down 
the river, considerably below the town. Day ap- 
'peared before they reached their destination; and 
the forenoon was occupied in bringing back the 
troops which had passed. 

On the seventeenth, the second parallel was 
completed, and the besiegers opened a tremen- 
dous fire from all their batteries, showering the 
bombs copiously, even into the river. The ene- 
mies' defences were every where falling under 
the destructive fire; and Cornwallis, being sensible 
that his position was no longer tenable, and pre- 
ferring the lives of his brave troops to the honour 
they might have acquired in a murderous and 
desperate assault, sent a flag to Washington, pro- 
posing a cessation of arms for twenty-four hours, 
and that commissioners might be appointed on 
both sides for settling the terms of capitulation. 
Two hours only were granted; and this armistice 
resulted, after a series of negociations, during 
which the suspension of hostilities was prolonged, 
in the final surrender by lord Cornwallis, on the 
nineteenth of October, 1781, of the posts of York 
and Gloucester Point, with the garrisons which 
had defended them, and the shipping in the har- 
bour with their seamen, to the land and naval of- 
ficers of America and France.* 

* The articles of capitulation were digested by lieutenant colonel 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 195 

It is stated* that Cornwallis, struck with the 
persevering skill and gallantry of La Fayette, of 
which he was a feeling and competent judge, re- 
quested, as a favour, that he might treat with, and' 
surrender his army to, him alone; but general 
Lincoln was appointed to receive the submission 
of the royal army, precisely in the same manner 
as his own had been conducted, about eighteen 
months before. 

General La Fayette, ranked among the most 
active and intrepid of the general officers at the 
siege of York-town, and promoted with unceasing 
perseverance the completion of the glorious 
scheme, to which his efforts had so long been 
directed. In the orders issued the day after the 
capitulation, he was particularly mentioned by 
the commander-in-chief: and when we consider 
the long series of dangers and skilM manceuvres, 
by which he finally conducted Cornwallis into 
the toils of Washington, we must justly bestow 
upon the youthful warrior, a large portion of the 
glory which attended the extermination of the 
British flag from the shores of the union. 

Laurens, and the viscount de Noailles, of the allied army, and 
colonel Dundas, and major Ross, on the part of the British. It is 
remarkable, that while colonel Laurens was drawing up these ar- 
ticles, his father was closely confined in the Tower of London, of 
which lord Cornwallis was constable. By this singular combina- 
tion of circumstances, his lordship became a prisoner to the son of 
his own prisoner. 
* Mem. Histor. et Pieces Authent. sur M. de La Fayette, p. ^ 9- 



196 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

The news of this glorious and important vic- 
tory created transports of joy from one extremi- 
ty of the union to the other. The remembrance 
of past evils was universally lost amid the most 
brilliant anticipations. The firm establishment of 
independence was no longer doubted; and every 
one looked forward with confidence to the fast 
approaching termination of their toils and priva- 
tions. In all parts of the United states, solemn 
festivals and rejoicings celebrated the triumph of 
American fortune, and the downfall of that of the 
enemy. The names of Washington^ — Rocham- 
beau,-de Grasse,— La Fayette,—resounded every 
where. The provincial assemblies, the universi- 
ties, the literary societies, addressed to them, the 
sincere homage of their felicitations and admira- 
tion.— Congress united the authority of its de- 
crees to the unanimous acclaim of the people. It 
addressed thanks to the generals, as well as to the 
officers and soldiers, of the victorious army. It or- 
dained that a marble column should be erected at 
York-town, adorned with emblems of the alliance 
between the United States and the king of France, 
and inscribed with a succinct narrative of the 
surrender of Cornwallis. Nor did they stop here. 
Desirous that the chiefs of the allied forces should 
carry with them into retirement, some of the tro- 
phies of their prowess, they presented to Wash- 
ington, two of the standards taken from the ene- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. I97 

my; to admiral de Grasse, two field pieces; and 
a like number to general Rochambeau. They re- 
paired in a body to the Dutch Lutheran Church, 
to return thanks to Almighty God, for the recent 
victory; and issued a special proclamation ap- 
pointing the thirteenth day of December, as a day 
of general thanksgiving and prayer, on account of 
so signal an interposition of divine Providence.* 
Soon after the surrender of York, the personal 
influence of La Fayette was again called in requi- 
sition by the commander-in-chief. In a letter ad- 
dressed to the count de Grasse, Washington had 
urged every argument to prevail on him to give 
his aid to an expedition against Charleston. To 
enforce the representations contained in his let- 
ter, he repaired on board the admiral's ship, the 
Ville de Paris, in company with La Fayette; and 
on his return, left that nobleman for the purpose 
of using his influence in support of the request 
which liad been made. But all was unavailing; 
and de Grasse conclusively replied that " the or- 

* For accounts of the siege and surrender of York, 'vide Mar- 
shall's Washington, Vol. IV, Chap. IX, p. 485—498. Ramsay's 
Revolut. p. 559—562. Thacher's Journal,-p. 536. Johnson's Greene, 
Vol. II, p. 64, 66, 243, 5. H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. II, p. 245, 246, 
307, 375. Andrew's Amer. War, Vol. IV, 194, 5. Stedman's Amer. 
War, Vol. II. Notice Biograph. p. 6. Garden's Anecd. p. 307, 8. 
Botta's Amer. War, Vol. Ill, p. 374, 401. Port Folio, Vol. XIX, 
p. 502. Tonlongeon, Hist, de Finance, Vol. I, Append, p. 97. Mem. 
Hist, sur M. de La Fayette, p. 8, 9, 20, 34. 



198 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ders of his court, ulterior projects, and his engage- 
ruents with the Spaniards, rendered it impossible 
for him to remain on the coast, during the time 
which would be required for the operation." The 
marquis, however, obtained his consent to convoy 
a detachment of two thousand Americans to Wil- 
mington, and to cover their landing. This corps, 
which was destined to re-enforce the army of gen- 
eral Greene, was put under the command of La 
Fayette, with orders to possess himself of Wil- 
mington, situated fifteen miles up the Cape Fear, 
which was still held by the British, and thence 
to march to the southern head-quarters. As the 
time of embarkation approached, the admiral 
found it necessary to recede from this engage- 
ment, from the necessity of being in the West 
Indies at a certain time, and the American com- 
mander was thus deprived of the advantage to be 
derived from the facile and expeditious convey- 
ance of his re-enforcement as at first arranged.* 
Preparations were accordingly made for march- 
ing them by land. But La Fayette was once 
more arrested in his southern progress. Nego- 
tiations for peace soon demanded his presence in 
Europe, to lend to the jimerican cause the aid of 
his industry and zeal. Apprehensions were en- 
tertained that France was not ardent in her wishes 

* H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. II, p. S70, 1. Marsh. Washington, 
Vol. IV, p. 500, 1, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 199 

for peace; and the influence and intelligence of 
the marquis, it was thought, would contribute to 
the support of the Amosncan negotiation. Previ- 
ous to his departure from York-town, he issued his 
last affectionate orders to his favourite corps of 
infantry, in which are contained the following ex- 
pressions: "In the moment the major-general 
leaves this place, he wishes once more to express 
his gratitude to the brave corps of light infantry, 
who, for nine months past, have been the compan- 
ions of his fortunes. He will never forget, that with 
them alone, of regular troops, he had the good 
fortune to manoeuvre before an army, which, af- 
ter all its reductions, is still six times superior to 
the regular force he had at that time." 

In the month of November, 1781, general La 
Fayette proceeded to Philadelphia, where he was 
hailed with joyful acclamations, and received the 
most flattering marks of gratitude and respect 
from the inhabitants. To whatever quarter he 
directed his steps, he was accompanied with the 
admiration and applause of the people; and his 
journey was one perpetuated scene of joy and 
festivity. 

The field for military operations was now very 
much contracted; important negotiations were 
pending in Kurope, both with regard to supplies 
and peace; and the marquis, believing that he 
miglit more effectually serve the cause of Amer- 



;gOO LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ica by his presence beyond the Atlantic, again 
obtained leave to embark for France. The credit 
which he possessed at the court of France, and 
the use which, from his avowed attachment to the 
United States, he would probably make of it, in- 
duced congress to add to the resolutions which 
expressed their sense of his meritorious services, 
others, requesting their ministers in Europe to 
confer with him on the situation of American af- 
fairs, and to employ his assistance in accelerating 
such supplies as might be afforded by his most 
christian majesty. In granting his request for 
leave of absence, congress, on the twenty-third of 
November, 

Resolved^ That major-general the marquis de 
La Fayette have permission to go to France; and 
that he return at such time as shall be most con- 
venient to him: 

That he be informed, that on a review of his 
conduct throughout the past campaign, and par- 
ticularly during the period in which he had the 
chief command in Virginia, the many new proofs 
which present themselves of his zealous attach- 
ment to the cause he has espoused, and of his 
judgment, vigilance, gallantry, and address, in its 
defence, have greatly added to the high opinion 
entertained by congress of his merits and military 
talents: 



LIFB OF LA FAYETTE. 201 

That he make known to the officers and troops 
whom he commanded during that period, that 
the brave and enterprising services mth which 
they seconded his zeal and efforts, and which 
enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy 
far superior in numbers, have been beheld by 
congress with particular satisfaction and approba- 
tion: 

That the secretary of foreign affairs acquaint 
the ministers plenipotentiary of the United States, 
that it is the design of congress that they confer 
with the marquis de La Fayette, and avail them- 
selves of his information relative to the situation 
of public affairs in the United States: 

That the secretary for foreign affairs further 
acquaint the minister plenipotentiary at the court 
of Versailles, that he will conform to the intention 
of congress by consulting with, and employing 
the assistance of, the marquis de La Fayette, in 
accelerating the supplies which may be afforded 
by his most Christian majesty, for the use of the 
United States: 

That the superintendant of finance, the secre- 
tary for foreign affairs, and the board of war, 
make such communications to the marquis de La 
Fayette, touching the affairs of their respective 
departments, as will best enable him to fulfil the 
purpose of the tw^o resolutions immediately pre- 
ceding: 

,c c 



202 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

That the superintendant of finance take order 
for discharging the engagements entered into by 
the marquis de La Fayette, with the merchants 
of Baltimore, referred to in the act of the twenty- 
fourth of May last.* 

Ordered^ That the superintendant of finance 
furnish the marquis de La Fayette, with a proper 
conveyance to France: 

That the secretary for foreign affairs report a 
letter to his most Christian majesty, to be sent by 
the marquis de La Fayette. 

In addition to these testimonials of the love, 
gratitude, and confidence, of the national legisla- 

* This resolution refers to the supply of shoes, &c. procured by 
the marquis on his private credit in Baltimore, in the month of 
April. On the twenty-fourth of May, 1781, congress adopted the 
following resolutions: 

Resolved, That congress entertain a just sense of the patriotic 
and timely exertions of the merchants of Baltimore, who so gener- 
ously supplied the marquis de La Fayette, with about two thou- 
sand guineas, to enable him to forward the detachment under his 
command: 

That the marquis de La Fayette be assured that congress will 
take proper measures to discharge the engagements he has entered 
into with the merchants. 

From these resolutions, it would appear that the marquis merely 
acted as the agent of congress; and no one would imagine from 
their tenor, that that body had not sufficient credit to procure the 
loan, and that La Fayette, accomplished it on his private respon- 
sibility. — It would have been more noble to have acknowledged 
the obligation, and voted to the marquis the thanks which he de- 
served. It might have wounded the self-pride of members, as 
individuals, but would have exalted the national legislature. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 203 

ture, he was furnished by the great Robert Mor- 
ris, superintendant of finance, with a most flatter- 
ing letter to his excellency, Benjamin Franklin, 
minister in France, dated the twenty-seventh of 
November, 1781, of which the following is an 
extract: 

" Sir, 

"The marquis de La Fayette who is about to 
sail for France, will have the honour to deliver 
this letter, and, consistently with the acts of con- 
gress of the twenty-third instant, I must request 
you to communicate it to him; and, from time to 
time, to take his aid in the prosecution of thQ 
business which I must recommend to your par- 
ticular attention. The affairs of my department 
are of a nature not to require concealment; but; 
even if that were not the case, I have such per- 
fect confidence, as well in the prudence of the 
marquis, as in his attachment to this country, 
that, the acts of congress out of the question, I 
should feel a pleasure in making him acquainted 
with my views and wishes. Indeed, I expect that 
his zeal and activity vdll go far in smoothing the 
way towards the accomplishment of those ob- 
jects which your excellency has to solicit." 

In the month of December, 1781, he embarked 
for Europe, accompanied by the affections and 



204 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

regrets, and loaded with the gratitude, of the 
American people. 

The affection which the marquis bore towards 
the illustrious Washington was as pure and as 
holy, as that of a lover towards his mistress. Far 
from presuming to endeavour to scale the height 
upon which SS ashington stood, — a lieight inacces- 
sible to any other man;— far from attempting to 
divide with him the wonder and veneration of the 
world; — he looked up to him only as a father and 
a friend, and as a model, which though he would 
never equal, he might yet copy at a distance. 
During the intrigues that were in agitation against 
his revered patron, in the year 177^, which had 
for their object the deposition of the comman- 
der-in chief. La Fayette, like another Patroclus, 
buckled on his arm om^n defence of his Achilles, 
who disdained to notice the malignant attacks of 
those restless spirits, whose only aim was the 
aggrandizement of themselves and their friends 
at the expense of others. As to general Conway, 
who was the most busy actor in the cabal, and 
one of the most wily and inveterate intriguers 
that had passed from Europe to America, the 
marquis de La Fayette, and, led by his example, 
all the other French officers of distinction regar- 
ded him with contempt, and seldom deigned to 
notice him at all. This Conway, after puffing 
himself off as an officer of great consequence, ob- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. ^05 

taining, by the lowest artifices, the appointment 
of major-general, displaying his total want of mi- 
litary science — exhibiting his cowardice by skulk- 
ing into a farm-house at the battle of German- 
tow^n,— and resigning his commission because 
he was too much despised to be employed — was 
shot in a duel by general Cadwalader, for having 
dared to indulge too freely in unbecoming expres- 
sions regarding the commander-in-chief Believ- 
ing his wound to be mortal, he retracted, in a 
letter to general Washington, dated the twenty- 
third of July, 1778, all the falsehoods which he 
had circulated against him; but, recovering from 
his wound, he returned to France, covered with 
ignominy. The whole junto were soon desirous 
of burying their ambitious schemes in oblivion.— 
The most affectionate attachment indeed existed 
between general La Fayette and the commander- 
in-chief, beneath whose banners it was his delight 
to serve. Tlie language of Washington, respect- 
ing his adopted son, was, " this nobleman unites 
to all the military fire of youth, an uncommon 
maturity of judgment." 

The influence, the fortune, and the blood, of 
the marquis de La Fayette, were all devoted to 
the service of America. He was engaged in her 
cause, either in a poUtical or military capacity, 
during almost the whole course of the war. 
When he wa^ not animating his brave followers 



20& LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

in the field of battle, or disciplining them in the 
camp5 he was unfolding the comprehensiveness 
and soundness of his understanding in the cabinet, 
or pressing, at the court of France, with all his 
influence and eloquence, the policy and necessity 
of supporting the efforts of struggling America. 
His very soul burned with the spirit of enterprise; 
and he manifested a disinterestedness and de- 
votion in the cause of freedom, which should 
ever be admired and applauded by a grateful 
people. Possessed of unshaken patriotism, inte- 
grity, and humanity, and of those cardinal virtues 
which characterise real greatness of soul, he al- 
ways discovered, both in design and execution, 
those traits of genius, and that intuitive know- 
ledge of tactics, which designate the great man, 
and the successful warrior. It was no ordinary 
mind that could lead its possessor, in the very 
outset of life, in the spring-tide of worldly joy, to 
sacrifice all the common charms of existence, to 
the higher claims of a laudable ambition. Many 
of those who flocked to our shores were tempted 
by the hope of gain; but the principles which gui- 
ded La Fayette from all the comforts of life to 
the wilderness of the western world, were as 
pure as the cause, in support of which, his sword 
now leaped from its scabbard. Congress was 
elated, encouraged, and flattered, by an auxiliary 
^f such high rank, of so much spirit, and such 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 507 

great protnise, and were not deceived in the ex- 
pectations which they formed of the future servi- 
ces of this " noble phsenomenon." — ^The perse- 
verance of the marquis through so many discour- 
aging vicissitudes, and his noble generosity in sea- 
sons of peculiar distress, show him in a great and 
elevated point of view, having few parallels in 
history. Had he arrived on our shores, a poor 
and needy adventurer, a ready hireling in any 
cuase where pay and plunder might have been 
expected, — had he merely, with a fleeting enthu- 
siasm, hastily engaged in the American cause as 
a quixotic crusader, for some momentary feat of 
chivalry, — he would have ranked with the ordi- 
nary class of adventurers, found in all ages and 
countries in time of war. As such, he would 
have shrunk from the appalling scenes exhibited 
by a starving, naked, and retreating army; — he 
would have fled from the delays and vexations 
attending the tardiness of the different states in 
supplying their quota of men and money; — or 
probably, joined in the mutinies and desertions so 
frequent during the revolutionary w^ar. — -But he 
was governed by motives too exalted and power- 
ful to be depressed even by disastrous campaigns, 
unremitted vigilance, and arduous service, from 
year to year, in watching and opposing a well 
disciplined and powerful enemy.* His love of 

* Short Biogr. La Fayette, p. 8, 



gOS LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

liberty burned too fiercely to be extinguished or 
diminished, either by perils or privations. 

" On seeing the marquis," says Chastelleux, 
" one is at a loss which most to admire, that so 
young a man should have given such eminent 
proofs of talents, or that a man so tried, should 
give hopes of so long a career of glory." He was 
the true disciple of Washington, gifted with those 
rare endowments and that preeminence of char- 
acter, which distinguished the heroes of antiquity. 
He endured calumny with the calmness of a stoic, 
and sustained misfortune with the resignation of 
a christian and the firmness of a man. His cou- 
rage was only equalled by his humanity; and he 
gained universal praise for his benevolence and 
compassion, in visiting and administering relief 
to the wounded soldiers. Although arms were his 
vocation, his professional duties were always 
tempered with humanity; and he preferred the 
lives of his brave soldiers, to the chance of deco- 
rating his brows with blood-stained laurels. When 
he was re-enforced, in Virginia, by three thou- 
sand, two hundred Frenchmen, under the mar- 
quis de St. Simon, he was strongly urged by that 
nobleman, and admiral de Grasse, to attack lord 
Cornwalhs. But he steadfastly resisted their en- 
treaties, and declined the opportunity of covering 
himself with the glory which a victory would have 
obtained. Wishing that blood might be spared, he 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 209 

quietly awaited the arrival of generals Washing- 
ton and Rochambeau from the north, with a force 
adequate to look down the opposition of despair 
itself. 

From his easy, affable, and engaging manners^ 
La Fayette was particularly endeared to the offi- 
cers and soldiers under his command; they ad- 
mired, loved, and revered him, as their guide and 
support when in peril, and their warmest friend 
when in perplexity and trouble. He was beloved, 
indiscriminately, by the whole army, not only for 
that amiable disposition, and those charming man- 
ners, but for his great gallantry, and ardent at- 
tachment to this country. The confidence and 
affection of the troops, were, to him, invaluable 
possessions, and well acquired riches, of which 
no one could, and no one desired, to deprive him; 
and he always expressed, by his air and counte- 
nance, that he was happier in receiving his 
friends at their head, than at his estate in Au- 
vergne. The influence and consideration which 
he acquired amongst the political, as well as the 
military, body, were highly flattering to a young 
man of his age; and it is confidently asserted that 
his private letters have frequently produced more 
effect in arousing the lethargy of some of the 
states, than the strongest exhortations of congress. 
In short, he possessed, in so high a degree, the 
character of an accomplished and perfect soldier, 

D d 



230 LIFK OF LA FAYETTE. 

as to gain the confidence of his superiors, the af- 
fection, of his equals, and the respect and vene» 
ration of all who served under him. It is no tri- 
fling compliment to say, that next to the com- 
mander-in-chief, and the intrepid Greene, no gen- 
eral stood higher in the public favour, or more 
constantly commanded the admiration of the ar- 
my, than La Fayette. 

Nor did his solicitude for the public welfare of 
America bound his exertions,- for he was ever 
ready to aid our fellow citizens when distressed 
in F'urope,- and oftentimes even without being 
called upon. Some he rescued from poverty, by 
opening to them his purse; others, he counselled 
and defended. Kis protecting arm stretched itself 
beyond the Pyrenees arid snatched the indiscreet 
American, either from the fangs of the officer of 
the customs, or from the dark and unforgiving 
tribunals of the inquisition. His succour unhap- 
pily came too late on one of these melancholy 
occasions; and his letter, on that subject, to the 
late Samuel Breck, esquire, dated in Paris, second 
June, 1785, is an additional evidence of the cor- 
rectness of his feelings and the goodness of his 
heart: 

" As soon as your letter came to hand," the 
marquis writes, " I addressed the count de Flori- 
da Blanca, the Spanish prime minister, in behalf 
of Mr. H. Inclosed you will find his answer, and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 211 

also the copy of an account given to Mr. Carmi- 
chae], whereby I was much affected to bear poor 
Mr. H. is no more. For fear of disgusting the 
minister with the application, I had, in some mea- 
sure, refrained from exposing the horror I feel 
for the hellish tribunal; but it was superfluous; 
and I beg you will assure J^lr. Il's friends that I 
am heartily sorry not to have it in my power to 
give them a more agreeable account."* 

On the twentieth of x\.pril, 1787, a fire was dis- 
covered in a malt-house, in Beach street, Boston, 
which consumed about one hundred buildings, 
sixty of which were dwelling houses: in fact, the 
greater part of the south end of the town was de- 
stroyed. As soon as the melancholy news reach- 
ed Paris, the benevolent La Fayette desired his 
friend and correspondent, the late Samuel Breck, 
Esquire, of Boston, to draw upon him for three 
hundred pounds sterlings and to distribute that sum 
among the indigent sufferers. This noble charity, 
so characteristic of the munificence and goodnes?. 
of that excellent man, was of the greatest benefit. 
It served to give bread and shelter to many re- 
duced and houseless families, and, coming in aid 
of other donations, was one of the principal means 
of restoring to them their lost comforts. Boston 
did not then, as at the present day, abound in men 

.. * Port Folio, Yi^\. XIX. p. 504, 



212 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

of wealth. The alms of its mhabitants were limi- 
ted by their narrow means; and that town, which 
now contains so many secure and magnificent 
edifices, was then built of such combustible mate- 
rials, that almost every accidental fire ended in a 
destructive conflagration.* This donation de- 
serves more particular notice, on account of the 
final adieu which La Fayette had, in all probability, 
bade to America; as well as from the circum- 
stance, that all his affection for this country was 
accidentally awakened, amid the great public con- 
cerns of France, which then demanded and en- 
grossed his attention, by the perusal of a news- 
paper containing an account of the destruction 
and distress occasioned by the fire. 

The benevolent perseverance with which he 
pursued the claim of the widow of a revolution- 
ary officer, for the long period of eight years, is 
not only an evidence of his attachment to this 
country, and more especially to those who la- 
boured with him in the cause of independence, 
but bespeaks a heart not given to every man. It 
is gratifying to add, that the claim was brought, 
by his unremitting and voluntary exertions, to a 
final and favourable close.— The natural bias of 
his mind is even developed in the names of his 
children. His only son bears the distinguished 

* Port Folio, Vol. XIX, p. 504. - 






LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 213 

name of George Washington, and his only daugh- 
ters, in remembrance of " the theatre of his toils 
and of his glory," those of Virginia and Carolina. 

At La Grange he was always accessible to 
Americans; and his eye kindled whenever he 
spoke of America. " Why cannot you come and 
live among us," said a visiter, — "to lay down 
your bones among a people who owe you so 
much, and whose latest descendants will venerate 
your ashes?" — La Fayette pointed to his grand- 
children around him — he made no other reply. 
They were among the strongest ties which bound 
him to France. 

" You are now in America," he said once to 
an intelligent Yirginian. — " America?" — " Yes; 
this room is what I call America." His guest 
looked around him, and beheld every where scat- 
tered the tokens of his country: maps of the dif- 
ferent states,— the portraits of our distinguished 
men, — of Washington, Franklin, Henry, ^c. ^c. — 
American books— and the electrical machine, with 
which the great FrankUn had made so many ex- 
periments, and which he had given, as a mark of 
his respect, to this noble Frenchman. 

The people of the L nited States, fully appri- 
sed of the high obligations which they owe to La 
Fayette,* have practically and triumphantly refu- 

* A grand dinner was given to general La Fayette, at the Uni- 



2U LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ted the pretended dogma of the ingratitude of re- 
publics, not only by the spontaneous effusion of 
affection and veneration which has burst forth 
from the whole mass of the people, but by the 
more formal acts of their representatives. On the 
third of March, 1808, the national legislature pas- 
sed " an act to revive and continue in force, an 
act in addition to an act, intituled an act in ad- 
dition to an act regulating the grants of lands ap- 
propriated for military services, ^c. ^c." 

Section ^th. And be it further enacted, that the 
secretary of war be, and he is hereby, authorized 
to issue land- warrants to major general La Fay- 

versity, Charlottesville, Virginia, on the fifth of November, 1824, 
On this occasion, an address, by the venerable Mr. Jefferson, was 
read, which contains the following remarks. From his official sta- 
tion at the court of France, he is undoubtedly the best judge, now 
living, of the value of the marquis' services at the period of which 
he speaks: — "I joy, my friends, in your joy, inspired by the visit 
of this our ancient and distinguished leader and benefactor. His 
deeds in the war of Independence, you have heard and read. They 
are known to you, and embalmed in your memories, and in the pa- 
ges of faithful history. His deeds, in the peace which followed that 
war, are perhaps not known to you; but 1 can attest them. When 
I was stationed in his country, for the purpose of cementing its 
friendship with ours, and of advancing our mutual interests, this 
friend of both was my most powerful auxiliary and advocate. He 
made our cause his own, as in truth it was that of his native coun- 
try also. His influence and connexions there, were great. All 
doors of all departments were open to him at all timesj to me, only 
formally, and at appointed times. In truth, I only held the nail, — 
he drove it. Honour him, then, as your benefactor in peace, aS 
well as in war." 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 215 

ctte, for eleven thousand, five hundred, and twen- 
ty acres, which shall, at liis option, be located, 
surveyed, and patented, in conformity with the 
provisions of an act intituled an act regulating the 
grants of land appropriated for military services, 
and for the society of the United Brethren for 
propagating the gospel among the heathen, or 
which may be received, acre for acre, in payment 
for any of the lands of the United States, north 
of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of Ken- 
tucky River." 

The name of La Fayette will continue to be 
preserved not only in the hearts, but in the laws 
of the American people: as given to various por- 
tions of our territory, it will serve to recall to 
remembrance the services of him who bore it, 
when century upon century have been buried in 
the "dark backward and abysm of time," and 
when tlie deeds and virtues of their forefathers 
shall appear to our posterity, like the bright glo- 
ries of Rome in her best days, to those who now 
dwell upon the earth. In all parts of the union, 
we find the name of La Fayette mingled with 
the very existence of the republic. In North 
Carolina, there is a district, one hundred miles in 
length, and fifty in breadth, called Fayette, in 
which is situated the flourishing town of Fayette- 
fille. In Pennsylvania, there is a county called 
Fayette, thirty-nine miles long, and twenty-nine 



-216 LIFE OF LA FAYETTfi, 

broad,* and there is another in Kentucky of the 
same nanie. There are, also, the town of Fay- 
ette in Kennebeck county, Maine, and the town- 
ship of Fayette, in Alleghany county, Pennsylva- 
nia. 

The mark of respect and honour shown to the 
marquis by the legislature of Pennsylvania, in 
giving to a newly erected county, the name of 
Fayette, was communicated to him in the follow- 
ing letter from the governor of the state: 

"Sir, 

"The general assembly has lately erected a 
considerable part of this state into a county, under 
the name of La Fayette; and the government of 
it is about to be organized under this new de- 
nomination. 

" I'he proclamation of this law has caused me 
the liveliest satisfaction, as a testimonial of the 
respect in which you are held by my fellow citi- 
zens. My satisfaction will be greatly increased 
when I learn, that this evidence of the general 
feeling which your talents and conduct have in- 
spired, has proved agreeable to you.— As gover- 
nor of this state, it might, perhaps, be proper for 
me, at this time, to detail to you the reasons that 
have induced the legislature to award this extra- 
ordinary mark of their esteem;— but common lan- 
guage would be inadequate to express my feel- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. £17 

ings. Moreover, the high idea which we enter- 
tain of your character will not permit me to dwell 
upon that subject. Let the world judge of the 
merits of your deeds, and the justice of our grati- 
tude. 

You have been the defender of our liberty: and 
"the legislative assembly, while they enjoy that 
liberty, congratulate themselves with the idea, that 
your name will be henceforth inscribed on the 
various judicial acts which will continue to be the 
record, and evidence, of its existence." 

To this flattering communication. La Fayette 
returned the following reply: 

" Sir, 

" I received your excellency's letter of the sixth 
of March a short time previous to my departure 
from France; and I congratulate myself on the 
prospect of having the honour of personally pre- 
senting the tribute of my gratitude to the legisla- 
tive assembly of this state. The sMghtest marks 
of its consideration could not fail to prove ex- 
tremely flattering to me; but the honour which it 
has deigned to confer, by giving my name to one 
of the counties of the state, is so distinguished a 
proof of its esteem, that I want words to express 
my gratitude. 
^ " So long as I have had the happiness to be 
acquainted with this state, its civil and political 



218 J^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

rights have been dear to me; and I confess that I 
am sensibly affected with the thought that my 
name will be united to the administration of laws, 
whose spirit is so favourable to the rights of hu- 
man nature. 

" I pray your excellency to present to the legis- 
lative assembly, the tribute of my lively gratitude 
and profound respect, and, at the same time, to 
receive my particular acknowledgments, for the 
polite and obliging manner in which you have 
been pleased to communicate the honour which 
that body has conferred upon me." 

General La Fayette arrived, in the beginning 
of the year 1782, in his native country, where he 
was received witli universal respect and admira- 
tion. His reception at court was extremely flat- 
tering; and wherever he went he was greeted 
with the same enthusiasm and popular favour that 
always accompanied his steps in America. The 
heroic wife of the marquis participated in the 
homage universally offered to her illustrious con- 
sort; — a homage which, from her subsequent con- 
duct, could not have been too affectionate and 
respectful. Instar omnium: a short time before 
his death, Voltaire was invited to a numerous 
party at the house of the duke de Choiseul, where 
he was received with the usual applause which 
attended him wherever he went. Perceiving^ 
<he marchioness de La Fayette among the ladies, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 219 

lie kneeled down at her feet, and bestowed the 
most flattering eiilogiums on her husband, who 
was then in America: madame received this hom- 
age with affecting modesty, and embarassment, 
mingled with joy. The venerable old man, at 
the close of his life, experienced the happiness 
and honour of announcing the return of M. de La 
Fayette to his native country.* After remaining 
a short time in Paris, honoured and respected by 
the court, and almost idohzed by the people, he 
visited his estates in Tourraine; and afterwards 
proceeded to the courts of many of the German 
princes, where he received extraordinary marks 
of the admiration which his political and military 
conduct had diffused over Europe. He brought 
even to the court of the Csesars, as he had done to 
the pavilions of Versailles, the spirit of a pure and 
antique attachment to liberty, with the graces of 
a gallant soldier, and accomplislied gentleman; 
and he was received by Joseph the second, and 
Frederick the great, with flattering distinction. 

In September, 1782, La Fayette arrived at 
Pottsdam, anxious to behold the great man who 
had so long attracted the attention of the world. 
When Frederick was advised of the arrival of 
general La Fayette, he invited him to Sans Son- 
de without delay, where the despot and the de- 

* Mem. Historiques, p. 118, 119. 



220 "LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

fender of liberty, frequently entered into long and 
interesting conversations. The stern, unbending, 
and tyrannical Frederick, not only expressed his 
admiration of Washington and La Fayette, but 
presented the marquis with his miniature set in 
diamonds; on this occasion, he remarked, that he 
hoped this trifling memento would sometimes re- 
call him to recollection. It was in accompanying 
the king of Prussia to his reviews, that he had an 
opportunity afforded him of close observation of 
the military genius of that royal tactician, with 
which he doubtless enriched his own experience. 
From the time of his landing in Europe, La 
Fayette had incessantly continued his customary 
exertions in favour of America, and he was ex- 
tremely anxious to accelerate the ratification of 
the treaty between Great Britain, France, and 
America, provisional and preliminary articles for 
"vvhich, had been signed, with regard to America, 
on the thirtieth of November, 17^2, and, as they 
respected France, on the twentieth of January, 
1783. At the same thne, he strenuously represen- 
ted to the French government, the evils which 
might flow from a relaxation in their exertions, 
and the necessity of compelUng Great Britian to 
consummate a peace, by giving greater and renew- 
ed aid to the American cause. His exertions in fa- 
vour of this country, which he considered a para- 
mount duty, were so valuable and unceasing, as 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 221 

to call forth the particular approbation of con- 
gress. On the tenth of April, 1783, it was " Re- 
solved, That congress are satisfied with the rea- 
sons which have prevailed with major-general the 
marquis de La Fayette, for his stay in Europe, 
and his consequent absence from his command in 
the army of the United States; and have a high 
sense of the new proofs he has exhibited of his 
zeal in the cause of the said states, and of his 
constant attachment to their interests and wel- 
fare. '- 

In along and feeling letter to general Washing- 
ton, written immediately after his return from the 
north of Europe, La Fayette exhibits at once his 
warm affection for the '' man of the age," his cor- 
I'ect view of the political situation of the United 
States, and the necessity of a more stable and 
efficient form of government. In communicating 
the occurences at the courts he had visited, and 
especially at that of Prussia, whose aged and dis- 
tinguished monarch, uniting the acquirements of 
the scholar, with the most profound skill in the 
art of war, could bestow either literary or mili- 
tary fame, he dwelt with enthusiasm on the plau- 
dits which were universally bestowed on his mili- 
tary patron and paternal friend. "I wish," he 
^remarked, " the other sentiments I have had occa- 
sion to discover with respect to America, were 
equally satisfactory with those that are personal 



222 hWE OF LA FAYETTE. 

to yourself. I need not sa}' that the spirit, the lirm= 
ness with which the revolution was conducted^ 
have excited universal admiration; that every 
friend to the rights of mankind is an enthusiast 
for the principles on which those constitutions 
are built; — but I have often had the mortification 
to hear, that the want of powers in the congress, 
of union between the states, of energy in their 
government, would make the confederation very 
insignificant." " By their conduct in the revolu- 
tion," he added, "the citizens of America have 
commanded the respect of the world; but it 
grieves me to think they will, in a measure, lose 
it, unless they strengthen the confederation; give 
congress power to regulate their trade; pay off 
their debt, or at least the interest of it; establish a 
well regulated militia; and, in a word, complete 
all those measures which you have recommended 
to them."* — Such were the opinions of the best 
and wisest men of the time; and they resulted in 
the formation of one of the noblest, and, I trust, 
most durable monuments of human sagacity and 
political wisdom, to be found in the records of 
history. 

Cabinet negociations, although, from a sense 
of duty, so long patiently endured, could now no 
longer restrain the enterprising courage and spirit 

* Marsh. Life Washington, Vol. V, p. 73. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. Q23 

of La Fayette. He had beea appointed adjutant 
general to count d'Estaing, an officer grown gray 
in naval combats, who commanded the French 
fleet at Cadiz, on board of which were eight 
thousand French and Spanish troops destined for 
America. He immediately proceeded to Cadiz, 
to join this powerful expedition, and was about 
to set sail in quest of new triumphs and fresher 
glories, when the sailing of the fleet was arrested 
by the news of peace. 

As soon as he received this welcome intelli- 
gence from Mr. Carmichael, minister of the Uni- 
ted States (although not then acknowledged,) at 
the court of Madrid, the noble hearted La Fayette, 
with characteristic benevolence, resolved to adopt 
the most effectual measures to prevent the uime- 
cessary effusion of blood. He immediately ap- 
plied to the count D'Estaing, requesting him to 
furnish a fast sailing vessel for the purpose of 
conveying his despatches, containing the intelli- 
gence of the conclusion of the treaty of peace, to 
America. T'his request was complied with; and 
the good ship Triumph was soon cleaving her 
way over the waters of the Atlantic, bearing, to a 
lacerated country, the healing balm of peace. — ■ 
It was on the afternoon of Sunday, March twenty- 
third, 1783, when the Triumph cast anchor before 
the city of Philadelphia, and great and joyful was 
the sensation which spread itself over the city on 



'^24 1-IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the evening of that day. She arrived before the 
official, or any other, account of the peace had 
been received. The humanity of giving the ear- 
liest possible advice of this event — the lives that 
were saved by the consequent cessation of hos- 
tilities, ,a;reatly enhances the debt of gratitude due 
to La Fayette, from the people of the United 
States.* — The letter of the marquis to congress 
dated fifth February 1783, accompanied by a copy 
of an order from the count D'Estaing, directing 
the cessation of hostilities by sea. Congress, 
according to the following abstract from the jour- 
nals, proceeded, without delay, to take these im- 
portant communications into consideration: 

" Monday, March %^th, 1783. 

" A letter of February fifth, from the marquia 
de La Fayette, announcing a general peace, and a 
copy of orders given by the count D'Estaing, vice- 
admiral of France, to the chevalier du Quesne, 
commander of the corvette Triumph, despatched 
from Cadiz the sixth of Febuary last, for the pur- 
pose of putting a stop to all hostilities by sea, 
being laid before congress and read; 

" Resolved, That the agent of marine be, and 
he is hereby, directed, immediately to re-call all 

* This strong claim upon our gratitude has not been noticed in 
the commendations so deservedly bestowed on the marquis. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 2^5 

armed vessels cruizing under commissions from 
the United States of America." 

At a subsequent period, a bust of the marquis 
was placed, by the legislature of Virginia, in a 
niche of the wall of a spacious area in the cen- 
tre of the capitol of that state, near the fine mar- 
ble statue of bis adopted father. 

No sooner was the independence of America 
established, and tranquillity once more restored 
to Europe, than the marquis appMed himself 
with increased attention, to the commercial rela- 
tions of France and ximerica, which had for some 
time occupied his thoughts. His exertions in 
1783 and 1784, principally related to certain free 
ports in France, in favour of American vessels, 
a grant, which he endeavoured successfully to 
prove to the French government, would be equal- 
ly beneficial to both countries. The persever- 
ance and ability with which he prosecuted this 
scheme, insured its success, and its precise nature 
may be gathered from the following letter of the 
minister de Calonne, in answer to a memorial on 
the subject: 

Versailles, January 9th, 1784. 
Sir, 

I have communicated to tlie king, the observa- 
tions contained in the memorial which you trans- 
mitted to me, relative to the commerce of Arae- 

F f 



226 iLIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

rica, and those which you made at our last con- 
ference. 

I am authorized to announce to you, that it is 
the intention of his majesty to grant to the Uni- 
ted States, the ports of L'Orient and Bayonne, as 
free ports, and besides these, those of Dunkirk 
and Marseilles; the first of wJiich enjoys absolute 
freedom, and the other is restrained in the exer- 
cise of that freedom, only with regard to tobacco, 
which is there subjected to a duty. The Ameri- 
cans may, from this moment, send their vessels 
to those four ports, where they will not meet 
with any kind of difficulty. You may, if neces- 
sary, explain what is meant by free ports, agreea- 
bly to the signification thereof, given by M. de 
Vergennes, in his letter of the twenty-ninth of 
June last* The Americans will find, above all, 



* The following is the letter alluded to by M. de Colonne: 

Versailles, June S,9th, 1783. 
Sir, 

I have received the letter you did me the honour to write on 
the seventeenth of this month. You desire to knovir what is meant 
by a free port. 

By this term, Sir, we mean a place to which all merchandizes, 
as well foreign as domestic, may be imported, and from which 
they may be freely exported. You will judge. Sir, by this defini- 
tion, that all the merchandizes of the ISorth, without exception, 
may be imported into L'Orient, and exported from it, by the 
Americans. In a word, L'Orient will be reputed foreign with re- 
gard to France, as far as respects commerce. The prohibitions 
and duties on foreign merchandizes, will take effect only in case 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 227 

at Dunkirk, all the facilities they can desire for 
the sale of their leaf-tobacco, their rice, their tim- 
ber, and other merchandize, as well as for the 
purchase of what they want, such as linens, wool- 
ens, brandy, ^c. It is proposed to establish stores 
and magazines there, which shall be well sup- 
plied, on terms very advantageous for their com- 
merce. I have given orders to the farmer gen- 
eral to treat, in preference, and at a reasonable 
price, for the purchase of the tobaccos of North 
America^ and, moreover, the United States will 
be as much favoured in France, in matters of 
commerce, as any other nation. The complaints 
which they may make to you, or which Mr. 
Franklin, and the other American ministers, 
which I would be very glad to see, may transmit 
to me on their behalf, shall be examined with 
great attention, and government will not suffer 
them to experience any kind of vexation. Every 
possible precaution will also be taken to prevent 
the sending out bad merchandize, which, if it has 
hitherto taken place, can only be attributed to the 
avarice of some merchants of the lowest order. — 
I hitend immediately to examine what relates to 

any person desires to introduce into the interior part of the realm, 
the merchandizes subjected to the one or the other. 

I have the honour &c. 

De Vergennes. 
M. the marquis de La Fayette, 



QQS I^It'E OF LA FAYETTE. 

the customs and duties which are injurious to 
commerce. This is an important subject and re- 
quires great attention.—In fine, Sir, you may rely 
that I shall be always disposed, as well as Mons. 
the marshal de Castries, and Mons. the count de 
Vergennes, to receive and listen with attention, to 
the demands and further representations which 
you shall think proper to make in favour of the 
commerce of x4.merica. 

I have the honour to be, ^c. 

De Calonne. 
M. the marquis de La Fayette. 

P. S. The ports of Bayonne and L'Orient, will 
be made similar to that of Dunkirk, with regard 
to entire freedom. 

The succeeding extracts from the official let- 
ters of the superintendant of Finance, not only 
demonstrate the untiring zeal of La Fayette for 
the service of this country, but the importance 
that was attached to the commercial privileges 
which he obtained in her favour: 

Mr, Morris to the president of congress^ transmit- 
ting the observations of La Fayette on the com- 
merce hetiveen France and the United States. 

April 16, 1784. 
"The masterly manner in which the marquis 

has treated a subject, certainly foreign to his for- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 2^9 

mer habits and views, merits great applause, and 
will, I doubt not, procure that approbation from 
congress, which will be to him a grateful reward, 
for his zealous and dexterous exertions to pro- 
mote the interests of America." 

Mr. Morris to the president of congress, enclosing 

certain letters from France. 

May 19, 1784. 

" Congress will see, from these papers, new 
instances of the affectionate zeal and industry of 
that nobleman in the service of the United States. 
The grateful sense which they entertain of these 
services, will be, to him, a pleasing gratification, 
and I shall find it my duty, in acknowledging his 
letters, to assure him of their favourable dispo- 
sitions, and to solicit his farther exertions." 

Mr. MmTis to the marquis de La Fayette. 

September SO, 1784. 
" Accept, I pray yoUj my thanks for the servi- 
ces you have rendered to America, and be per- 
suaded of my warmest wishes for success to all 
'# your subsequent pursuits." 

Mr. Morris to the president of congress. 

September 30, 1784. 
" The unexampled attention to every Ameri- 
can interest, which this gentleman has exhibited, 



230 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

cannot fail to excite the strongest emotions in his 
favour, and we must, at the same time, admire 
the judgment which he has shown in the manner 
of his apphcations, as well as the industry in se- 
lecting proper materials. There can be little 
doubt that his interest, at his own court, must al- 
ways prove beneficial to this country, while the 
same cordiality shall continue which now subsists 
between him, and the venerable plenipotentiary 
now resident at Passy." 

In the beginning of 1784, an interesting cor- 
respondence took place between Robert Morris 
and the marquis de La Fayette, relative to the 
Isle of France, in which the superintendant of 
finance endeavoured to procure the establishment 
of a free poi-t on that island. It was thought that 
great advantages would accrue to both nations 
from the adoption of that measure, and that it 
would be the means of establishing, at that port, 
the most extensive and useful commerce with 
India, that had ever before existed. The Ameri- 
cans, it was supposed, would find it particularly 
beneficial, because they might trade freely and 
without risk to such port; — and the French, be- 
cause they would undoubtedly furnish all those ar- 
ticles of India goods which American vessels would 
otherwise go in search of, to India, or procure from 
other n ations. " This," said Mr.Morris, " will 
form an object of near twenty millions of livres 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 231 

annually; or, calculating both the export and im- 
port cargoes, it will amount to about thirty mil- 
lions; and, consequently, cannot be less than live 
millions clear advantage to France. And if it be 
considered that this is so much taken from her 
commercial rival, we may estimate it as being an 
object of ten millions annually." " I consider it as 
almost certain," he adds, " that America would 
find it more advantageous to trade with that port, 
than to go on to India. iVnd hence I draw one 
very strong inference, that we should not only be, 
by that means, brought into a closer political con- 
nexion with France, but that France would hold a 
much larger share of all our other commerce, 
than she would without such an establishment." 
The services rendered by La Fayette, and the 
privileges that he obtained, in relation to the com- 
merce of America, strongly excited the gratitude 
of her citizens and rulers. Congress, on the third 
of May, 1784, " Resolved, That a letter be writ- 
ten by the president to the marquis de La Fay- 
ette, expressing the high sense which congress 
entertains of his impoitant services, relative to 
# the commerce of France and these United States, 
and particularly to free ports; that there is every 
reason to expect mutual and permanent advan- 
tages from these liberal measures adopted by his 
most Christian majesty, and that an extension 
thereof to his West India colonies will, in the opi- 



?2.12 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 



<:>:^ 



nion of Congress, increase those advantages, and 
produce the most salutary effect." 

It is proper, in this place, to notice the benefits 
conferred by La Fayette on that portion of the 
American community, engaged in the whale fishe- 
ries, during the years 17S4 and 1785. Addres- 
sing himself to the ministry of Louis XVI, he ob- 
tained from them in favour of a company of mer- 
chants, to be instituted in Boston, the exclusive 
privilege of furnishing free of duty, sixteen thou- 
sand quintals of oil to M. Sangrain, contractor 
o'eneral for lighting the cities of Paris, Versailles, 
^f), ^c. who agreed to enter into a contract with 
a ompany, to be formed in America, to purchase 
thu quantity of whale oil, of three qualities; one 
half t ^ the first quality, one quarter of the second, 
and one quarter, of the third, deliverable at Havre, 
Nantz and Bordeaux; — the value of each kind to 
be fixed by the current price of the port, at the 
time of delivery. After the establishment of the 
price, payment was to be made by M. Sangrain, 
in articles of tlie growth and manufacture of 
France, according to invoices to be furnished by 
the American company's agents, and to the full 
value of the oil imported; — the price of these ar- 
ticles to be regulated in the same manner as that 
of the oil. 

These proposals were signed by M. Sangrain 
at Paris, on the seventh of May, 1785, and im- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 233 

mediately delivered to, and forwarded by, the 
marquis, to the United States. He had laboured 
with great assiluity to procure the total exemp- 
tion of duties on whale oil, but without success; 
because the French government had directed 
their attention to the encouragement of the fishe- 
ries in vessels of their own nation. The follow- 
ing extract from his letter, however, to Samuel 
Breck, Esquire, of Boston, will show that, with 
regard to the sixteen thousand quintals already 
mentioned, he was completely successful; at the 
same time, it is an evidence of the singleness of 
his heart, and the simplicity of his style: 

''Paris, May iSth, i7[d. 
" My dear friend, 

"In consequence of our conversations, I have 
endeavoured to obtain an exemption of duties 
upon whale oils, but it could not be done, be- 
cause the French ministry are this very moment 
encouraging that fishery. I, therefore, took anoth- 
er way, and made -a bargain, wliich you will find 
the more advantageous, as f have obtained from 
Ml. de Calonne, a total exemption of duties,— 
national — foreign — -of every kind whatsoever^ — 
for the three American vessels who will carry 
this invoice of oils. You easily can conceive that 
the favour could not be granted for more than one 
invoice. It is very important that it be of a good 



234 UFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

nature; but I have put in the bargain that the resi- 
due, i. e. the most precious part, might be left 
out. I very much wish Wadsworth and you may 
undertake it, as I think there is a profit to be 
made. The passports, I will send by the next 
packet. Mr. Adams is to show you, and Mr. 
Wadsworth is to send you by express, the copy of 
the proposals. So much for one time; but am not 
so sanguine for the future, except this invoice is 
very satisfactory, and the national attempt does 
not meet with success. 

'' I worked very hard to bring this about; and am 
happy at having, at last, obtained a point which 
may be agreeable to New England, and the peo- 
pie of Boston. I wish they may, at large, know 
I did not neglect their affairs; and, although this 
is a kind of private bargain, yet as it amounts to 
a value of about eight hundred thousand French 
livres, and government have been prevailed upon 
to take off all duties, it can be considered as a 
matter of importance." 

On the twenty-eighth of June, M. de Calonne 
officially announced to the farmer general and to 
M. de La Fayette, the total exemption from duty 
on the specified quantity of oil, if imported pre- 
vious to the first day of June, 1786— the proceeds 
of the oil to be invested in the produce or manu- 
factures of France. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 235 

These continued and valuable marks of his af-. 
fection for this country could not fail to make a 
general and lasting impression on the minds of 
the American community. No wonder, then, 
that his progress through the United States in the 
year 1784, resembled, in its best features, a Ro- 
man triumph. I'l e cannot omit, in this place, as 
connected with the subject which has just been 
treated upon, the singular mode of testifying their 
gratitude, adopted by the inhabitants of Nantuc- 
ket, who had become extremely impoverished by 
the long war, by which their common means of 
subsistence had been totally destroyed. This 
novelty is described in the following letter, dated 
Nantucket, nineteenth September, 1786, and pub- 
lished in the New Plymouth gazette of the twen- 
ty-seventh of the same month. 

" Although separated from the continent, the 
inhabitants of this island have nevertheless, parti- 
cipated with their fellow citizens, in the just tri- 
bute of gratitude which the great services ren- 
dered by M. the marquis de La Fayette to the 
United States have obtained. As wise, as useful, 
and as enlightened in peace, as he was brave and 
skilful in war, he has endeavoured still closer to 
draw together two nations, already united by 
policy and reason. To accomplish this object, he 
has devoted his attention to those commercial 
ties which might prove mutually advantageous. 



236 J^^l^'E OF LA FAYETTE. 

With the view of establishing our commercial re- 
lations on a solid and permanent basis, and of 
affording to us the means of paying for the mer- 
chandize which we are desirous of exporting from 
France, he has obtained the privilege that our 
whale oil (which, with our flocks, constitutes our 
sole riches) shall pay no other duty than that of 
the Hanseatic towns: this generous concession on 
the part of the French government, has conferred 
upon us an extraordinary benefit, as it revives 
our discouraged industry, and establishes us on 
this island, the land of our fathers, from which the 
new order of things would otherwise have com- 
pelled us to emigrate. Penetrated with gratitude 
for so signal a service, the inhabitants of Nantuc- 
ket, in corporation assembled, voted a?id resolved, 
That each of them should contribute the milk 
afforded by his cow during the space of twenty- 
four hours; that the whole quantity thus obtained 
should be manufactured into a cheese weighing 
Jive hundred pounds; mid t\mt the same should 
be transmitted to the marquis de La Fayette, as a 
feeble, but not less sincere, testimonial, of the af- 
fection and gratitude of the inhabitants of Nan- 
tucket."* — We trust that the present generation 
will not imitate their fathers, by preparing a 
second grand vaccine jubilee. 

* Mem. Hist. pp. 117, 118, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 237 

In the summer of 1784, La Fayette m'ged by 
his strong public and private attachments, and by 
the urgent entreaties of his American friends, pre- 
pared again to visit the transatlantic theatre of his 
toils and glory. He longed once more to embrace 
his friend and patron, the illustrious Washington, 
who had earnestly joined in the general invitation, 
and who, having retired to the sliades of private 
life, thus feelingly described his happy situation, 
to his adopted child. "At length, my dear mar- 
quis, I have become a private citizen on the banks 
of the Potomac; and, under the shadow of my 
own vine, and my own fig-tree, free from the 
bustle of the camp, and the busy scenes of public 
life, I am solacing myself with those tranquil en- 
joyments, of which the soldier, who is ever in 
pursuit of fame, — the statesman, whose watchful 
days and sleepless nights are spent in devising 
schemes to promote the welfare of Ms own, per- 
haps the ruin of other countries, as if this globe 
was insufficient for us all,— and the courtier, who 
is always watching the countenance of iiis prince 
in the hope of catching a gracious smile, — can 
have very little conception. I have not only re- 
tired from all public employments, but am reti- 
ring within myself, and shall be able to view the 
solitary walk, and tread the paths of private life, 
with heartfelt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am 
determined to be pleased with all; and this, my 



238 LIFE OF LA FAYKTTE. 

dear friend, being the order of my march, I will 
move, gently down the stream of life, until I sleep 
with my fathers." 

On the first of July, 178':^, the marquis em- 
barked at Havre on board of the packet ship 
Courier, and arrived at New York on the fourth 
of August.* 

The visit of La Fayette to America in 1784 
may be ranked among the most interesting events 
of his life. He now crossed the ocean to behold 
the glorious fruits of the toils and dangers in 
which he had participated. He had gone forth as 
a sower to sew; but his seeds fell neither by the 
way side, where the fowls came and devoured 
them up;— nor upon stony places, where they 

* The particulars of La Fayette's tour through the United 
States in 1784, are principally derived from a work entitled " Mem- 
oires Historiques et Pieces Authentiques sur M. de La Fayette, 
Paris, Pan second (1794) 12 mo. pp. SU3;" which contains a mass 
of miscalleneous matter relative to the marquis. His visit to this 
country is minutely described, by M. de CrevecoBur,in not less than 
sixty-three pages, which embrace the various addresses presented to 
La Fayette, together with his reply to each. We have made these 
observations and acknowledgments, to avoid the suspicion that 
we are indebted to the book of general Holstein for our account of 
the marquis' visit. As the general has published nearl}'- a literal 
translation from the Memories Historiques, and no reference is 
made to that work, we might very readily, and, indeed, almost 
certainly, without this explanation, have fallen under the imputa- 
tion of having pilfered from the pages of Holstein. It has been our 
pleasure to enter more into details, and to alter the phraseology 
of our authority, but the resemblance is still very apparent. — Vide 
Mem, Hist. p. 51— -IM. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

were scorcbed ])y the sun and withered away; — 
nor among thorns, which sprung up and choaked 
them. But "they fell into good ground, and 
brought forth fruit, some an hundred fold, some 
sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to 
hear, let him hear." — Be found America free, 
united, and independent, enjoying, after a long, 
calamitous, and uncertain war, the uninterrupted 
blessings of peace. Surrounded by his old asso- 
ciates in arms, who had now beaten their swords 
into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning 
hooks, he might well have exclaimed, in the lan- 
guage of the psalmist, " behold, how good and 
how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 
unity: it is as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew 
that descended upon the mountains of Zion." 

No sooner had the news of La Fayette's arri- 
val spread itself over the city, than all the officers 
who had served with him or under his command, 
and the citizens who were acquainted with him 
during the war, abandoned their usual occupa- 
tions, and hastened to behold again their fellow 
soldier and friend, and to welcome him to our 
shores. The next day, he was invited to a splen- 
did entertainment, where the officers appeared 
in their uniforms, which had been long cast aside, 
but were now resumed in honour of the occasion. 
Uninterrupted joy and cordiality enlivened this 
friendly and paternal festival; for it was the first 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

repast that La Fayette made in America, after the 
acknowledgment and full establishment of her in- 
dependence. 

Having passed a few days in New York, he de- 
parted for Philadelphia, where he was preceded 
by the happy news of his arrival from Europe. 
At some distance from the city, he was met by a 
numerous escort, consisting of the officers who 
had served in the continental army, the officers 
of militia, and a great number of citizens who re- 
ceived him with the most ardent tokens of grati- 
tude. The ringing of bells, and the thunder of 
cannons, announced his entrance into Philadel- 
phia. Not only the streets, but the doors and 
windows of the houses, were crowded with spec- 
tators, and all the public places resounded with 
acclamations.— After visiting the governor, he was 
escorted to his rooms in the city Hotel, where 
he partook of a splendid supper: in the evening, a 
general illumination took place. On the day after 
his arrival generals Wayne, St. Clair, and Irwin, 
were deputed by the corps of officers, to con- 
gratulate him on his arrival, and offer him their 
respects, in the name of the Pennsylvania line. 
But it was not only from his friends, his acquain- 
tance, and the different societies of the city, that 
he received the most fiatteriog and energetic ad- 
dresses. The legislature of Pennsylvania, as soon 
as they were informed of his arrival, appointed 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 041 

a committee, consisting of one member from each 
county, to present him with the following 

ADDRESS. 

The representatives of the freemen of the 
state of Pennsylvania, offer you their most affec- 
tionate congratulations on your safe arrival in 
Philadelphia, and welcome you in the name of 
the state. Enjoying the blessings of liberty and 
peace, we contemplate, with peculiar delight, 
those distinguished characters who braved the 
dangers of the ocean, to unite in our struggle 
against oppression, and to aid us in bringing our 
revolutionary war to a liappy termination. We 
consider you as the first among those illustrious 
men; — your example and your zeal, animated 
and encouraged even our own citizens, and you 
did not depart from us until the object of our 
wishes was accomplished. Receive, sir, this mark 
of our gratitude for the numerous services that 
you have rendered to this country, both in the. 
cabinet and the field. May your abode in Ame- 
rica be as pleasing to you, as to a nation which 
can never forget the brilliant conduct, and dis- 
tinguished talents, of the Marquis de La Fay- 
ette. 

To this address the marquis replied in the fol- 
lowing terms: 

H h 



242 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

J- 

I deeply feel the flattering testimonial of ap- 
probation, with which I am honoured by the 
legislature of Pennsylvania. My reception in this 
city, — the remembrance of the great obligations 
which J owe to this state,— the beautiful specta- 
cle created by the return of peace and plenty, — 
all concur, at this time, in augmenting my happi- 
ness. — I sensibly acknowledge, gentlemen, your 
goodness in recalhng my feeble efforts to your 
remembrance; — and I, also, recollect the impres- 
sion which your zeal, your patriotism, and your 
perseverance, at that time, made upon my mind. 
Now that the great work is accomplished, let 
us mutually congratulate ourselves on the federal 
union which the peace has cemented, and upon 
which, the importance, the power, and the riches 
of this beautiful country, rest: that union is the 
bond which will continue to preserve brotherly 
love and reciprocal friendship among the citizens 

of the states I shall be happy to receive the 

commands of this republic, at every period of 
my existence, and in whatever part of the world 
I may l}e: my zeal for its prosperity is only 
equalled by my gratitude and respect.* 



* These documents being translated from the French, as well as 
some others which are to be found in this volume, some variation, 
from the phi-aseology of the originals, no doubt, exists; but the 
sense is in nowise altered. The originals were not at hand. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 243 

Desirous of speedily accomplishing one of the 
principal objects of his voyage, and of enjoying 
the heartfelt happiness of again beholding his il- 
lustrious patron and friend, he left Philadelphia 
on the fourteenth of August— slept at Baltimore 
the next night— and on the nineteenth, arrived at 
Mount Vernon, and rested beneath the roof hal- 
lowed by the presence and the virtues of Wash- 
ington. 

When we reflect upon the principal events in 
the lives of these two illustrious men;— the dif- 
ference in their ages and countries;— the distance 
which separated them from each other; — the cir- 
cumstances which brought them together; — the 
importance of the scenes through which they had 
passed;— the glorious success of their courageous 
efforts;— the mutual anxiety again to embrace 
each other; — the tender and truly paternal esteem 
of the one, and the respect, admiration, and fiUal 
attachment, of the other; — when we reflect upon 
all this, we find that every thing contributed to 
stamp this interesting interview with a subhmity 
of character, which had no prototype in the an- 
nals of man.* 

After having passed tv/elve happy days at 
Mount Vernon, the remembrance of which have 
long been faithfully cherished by La Fayette, he 

*Memoires Hi^toriques, &c. p. 63. 



244 X^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

proceeded to Baltimore, where he arrived on the 
thirty-first of August One impulse alone appear- 
ed to animate every mind, and immense crowds 
flocked to offer to him the tribute of their grati- 
tude and affection. An address was presented 
to him by a committee consisting of the princi- 
pal inhabitants, in the name of the citizens of 
Baltimore; and he was honoured with a civic fes- 
tival, at which more than three hundred individu- 
als were present. 

It would be necessary to translate all our 
thoughts and feelings to the days of the revolu- 
tion, — to abstract ourselves, as it were, from the 
present to the past, — to be able to appreciate the 
remarkable and almost miraculous ascendency, 
which this young man, then in his twenty-eighth 
year, had obtained over the minds of all classes 
of society. This influence even extended to the 
allied nations of Indians, with whom he had fre- 
quently treated during the war; and he was so 
well known to the members of congress, who 
had just been deputed to negociate a treaty of 
peace with those savages at Fort Schuyler, that 
he was invited to join in their deliberations. 

In consequence of this invitation, he returned 
to New York, on the twelfth of September, where 
he remained three days previous to the continu- 
ance of his route to Albany. The day after his 
arrival, the corporation of the city unanimously 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 545 

admitted him to all the rights of citizenship, and 
appointed a committee to present to him the 
diploma in a golden box, accompanied with a 
suitable address. Major-general M'Doiigal, at 
the head of the officers of the continental army, 
also presented him with an pxpressive and affec- 
tionate address, and invited him to a superb en- 
tertainment. On the following day, he was placed 
at the head of a table, around which were seated 
the greater part of the respectable citizens and 
strangers. 

On the twentieth of September, he embarked 
on the Hudson, accompanied by numerous indi- 
viduals who were anxious to witness the ap- 
proaching ceremony, and proceeded to Fort 
Schuyler, to participate in the "talk" with the 
Indians. He addressed them with his usual elo- 
quence and skill, pointing out the advantages of 
peace, and the certain destruction that awaited 
them, if they persisted in ravaging the frontiers. 
The words of Kayewla, for such was the Indian 
title of La Fayette, were received with satisfac- 
tion and gratitude, even by the untutored savage. 
" Father!" replied one of the Mohawk chiefs, 
" we have heard thy voice, and we rejoice that 
thou hast visited thy children, to give to them 
good and necessary advice: thou hast said that we 
have done wrong in opening our ears to wicked 
men, and closing our hearts to thy counsels. 



246 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Father! it is all true; we have left the good path; 
we have wandered away from it, and been envel- 
loped in a black cloud. We have now returned, 
that thou may est find in us, good and faithful 
children. Father! we rejoice to hear thy voice 
amongst us; it seems that the Great Spirit has 
directed thy footsteps to this council of friendship, 
to smoke the calumet of peace and fellowship, 
with thy long-lost children." 

After returning to Albany, and visiting the fa- 
mous battle-ground of Saratoga, La Fayette pro- 
ceeded towards Boston, in accordance with the 
pressing invitations that he had received. In pass- 
ing through Connecticut, he was met at some 
distance from Hartford by a great number of its 
principal inhabitants, who escorted him into the 
town, amid the roar of cannon and the acclama- 
tions of the people. The civil authorities address- 
ed him on behalf of the citizens, and expressed 
the real pleasure which his return had universally 
produced: they also invited him to a grand pub- 
lic dinner. Some time after, when the town of 
Hartford was incorporated, the new municipality, 
at their first meeting, conferred on him, as well 
as his son, all the rights of citizenship. 

From Hartford, he directed his course to Wor- 
cester, in the state of Massachusetts, and from 
thence to Watertown, about seven miles from 
Boston, where he was met bv the officers of the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 247 

old continental army, and escorted to the hotel. 
On their march towards Boston, they were met 
by a body of troops, bearing the flags of America 
and France, who saluted their distinguished visiter 
with thirteen guns: soon after, a great number of 
citizens joined tliis military escort. The proces- 
sion was now formed in the following order: 
1. The pioneers. 2. A company of artillery and 
of independents. 3. Drums and fifes. 4. Full 
military band. 5. The marquis de La Fayette, 
accompanied by the count Grandehain, comman- 
der of the royal frigate La Nymphe, the cheva- 
lier de Caraman, who attended him from France, 
and major-general Knox. 6. The officers of 
the Massachusetts line. 7. M. de Letombe, con- 
sul general of France. 8. Citizens in carriages. 
9. Last division of officers. — His approach was 
proclaimed to the citizens of Boston by the firing 
of cannon and the ringing of bells, and an im- 
mense multitude poured forth to welcome the 
hero: the streets through which he passed were 
filled with spectators, as well as the doors, win- 
dows, and even the roofs, of the houses. When 
he entered State street, a second salute of thir- 
teen guns was fired, and the shouts and acclama- 
ftions of the multitude were unceasing, until he 
arrived at his lodgings. Having presented him- 
self in the balcony to gratify the loud and reite- 
rated wishes of the people, he returned thanks 



248 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

to the citizens with his usual affability. The 
proper authorities relighted the lamps of the 
city on the evening of this memorable day, for 
the first time since the conclusion of the war. 

The day after his arrival, general Knox pre- 
sented him with an address in the name of the 
continental officers of the Massachusetts line, to 
which he made a modest and affectionate reply. 

The state government, being desirous of af- 
fording a distinguished evidence of their gratitude 
and esteem towards the marquis, selected the 
nineteenth day of October, celebrated as the an- 
niversary of the capture of Cornwalhs, to confer 
new public honours on their illustrious guest. In 
consequence of previous arrangements, the go- 
vernor of the state, the president of the senate, 
the speaker of the house of representatives, the 
executive council, and the members of the two 
houses, assembled in the great hall of audience, 
to congratulate him on his happy arrival in Ame- 
rica. When M. de La Fayette was introduced, 
the governor, in eloquent and impressive terms, 
testified the high esteem and gratitude entertain- 
ed for him by the state of Massachusetts, the 
remembrance of which could never be effaced. 
— The report of this ceremony having spread 
itself over the city, all the neighbouring streets 
were completely crowded with people, and it was 
with great difficulty that a lane was formed by 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 249 

the military through the multitude, to the City 
Hotel. When tliis was effected, La Fayette ap- 
peared, accompanied by the governor, the mem- 
bers of the legislature, the old continental officers, 
the clergymen of different sects, and the princi- 
pal citizens, who escorted him into the great 
saloon of the hotel, where an entertainment had 
been prepared for five hundred persons. Thir- 
teen arcades were thrown across the bottom of 
the saloon, emblematical of the thirteen states of 
the union: La Fayette was seated beneath the 
centre arch, from which a fleur-de-lys was sus- 
pended. After dinner, thirteen patriotic toasts 
were drunk, and each one celebrated by thirteen 
guns stationed in the market-place. When the 
health of general Washington was pronounced, 
a curtain, placed behind M. de La Fayette, imme- 
diately fell, and disclosed the portrait of that great 
man, encircled with laurels, and decorated with 
the flags of America and France. La Fayette 
arose, and steadfastly regarded it with a mixture 
of tenderness, pleasure, and surprise. For a few 
moments he gazed in silent admiration, when a 
voice exclaimed, Long live Washington!- — the 
effect was electrical; the name of the gallant 
i» chieftain of liberty resounded from all parts of 
the room, and the shouts of Long live Washing- 
ton! were drowned amid peals of applause and 
enthusiastic acclamations. — On the same evening 

I 1 



250 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Mrs. Hayley gave a grand ball, accompanied with 
splendid fire-v/orks, in honour of La Fayette^ 
and her house was brilliantly illuminated. The 
legislative assembly granted him the privilege of 
assisting in their sittings, which he frequently 
made use of during his stay in Boston. 

After remaining a few days, he proceeded to 
visit the towns of Salem, Cape-Anne, Marble- 
head, Beverly, and Newburyport, and then pro- 
ceeded to Portsmouth, the capital of New Hamp- 
shire, where a great number of his old military 
comrades had retired to enjoy repose in the 
bosom of their families. Wherever he went he 
was greeted with affectionate addresses and pub- 
lic entertainments: his entrance into, and depar- 
ture from, the towns on his route, were announc- 
ed by the merry ringing of bells, the loud roar 
of cannon, and the acclamations of grateful mul- 
titudes; and these evidences of national affection 
and gratitude were the more precious, as they 
bore the marks of an energetic Zealand friendly 
sincerity, rather than of pomp and ostentation. — 
"When the address of the inhabitants of Marble- 
head was concluded, the orator perceiving that 
M. de La Fayette appeared astonished at the 
great number of women mingled with the male 
citizens who had been deputed to offer him their 
congratulations, remarked; " These are the 
widows of those who have perished in the revo- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 251 

lutionary war, and the mothers of children for 
whose liberty you have contended on the field of 
battle. They are now here in the places of their 
husbands, many of whom were once known to 
you." 

La Fayette now returned to Boston, and, in a 
few days, proceeded to Providence, where he 
met with the customary honours. He was in- 
vited to a grand entertainment, by the governor, 
deputy -governor, members of the legislature, and 
principal citizens, and presented with addresses 
both by the government and the officers of the 
army. 

After visiting Newport, the scene of his active 
exertions in the summer of 1778, he returned 
to Soston, and embarked in the royal frigate La 
Nymphe for the mouth of York Hiver, in Chesa- 
peake Bay. La Fayette now approached the 
theatre on which he had displayed the full powers 
of his military greatness,— -where he liad united 
the bravery of youth, with tlie circumspection of 
the veteran, — and where he had baffled the ma- 
noeuvres, restricted the operations, and finally, 
entangled in inextricable toils, one of the most 
brave and celebrated generals of Europe. — The 
inhabitants of Williamsburg came to the shore 
to receive the gallant youth who had saved a part 
of their territory from British devastations, and 
escorted him into the city, where he was received 



252 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

with almost indescribable marks of enthusiasm 
and love. He became the guest of the brave 
general Nelson; and, the next day, received the 
congratulations and addresses of the city-corpo- 
ration. 

On the morning of the eighteenth of Novem- 
ber, the marquis entered Richmond, where 
Washington had arrived three days before, a 
city which, by a long and extraordinary forced 
march, he had once saved from pillage and de- 
struction. Never was reception more cordial, or 
more demonstrative of affection and respect, 
than was given to these beloved personages. 
The house of delegates, immediately on its meet- 
ing, came to the following resolution: " The 
house being informed of the arrival, this morning, 
of the marquis de La Fayette in this city, Resolv- 
ed, ?2(?7?zz/2e co/z^7'«^zc^72if^, that a committee of five 
be appointed, to present to him the affectionate 
respects of this house, to signify to him their 
sensibility to the pleasing proof, given by this 
visit to the United States, and to this state in 
particular; that the benevolent and honourable 
sentiments which originally prompted him to em- 
bark in the hazardous fortunes of America, still 
render the prosperity of its affairs an object of 
his attention and regard; and to assure him, that 
they cannot review the scenes of blood and dan- 
ger through which we have arrived at the bles- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 253 

sings of peace, without being touched, in the most 
lively manner, with the recollection, not only of 
the invaluable services for which the United 
States at large are so much indebted to him, but 
of that conspicuous display of cool intrepidity 
and wise conduct, during his command in the 
campaign of 1781, which, by having so essenti- 
ally served this state in particular, have given him 
so just a title to its particular acknowledgments. 
That, impressed as they thus are with the distin- 
guished lustreof his character, they cannot form 
a wish more suitable, than that the lesson it af- 
fords may inspire all those whose noble minds 
may emulate his glory, to pursue it by means 
equally auspicious to the interests of humanity." 

And a committe was appointed, of Mr. Henry, 
Mr. Madison, Mr. Jones, (of King George,) Mr. 
Matthews, and Mr. Brent. 

An address like this, proceeding from an as- 
sembly adorned by the virtues, the abilities, and 
the eloquence, of a Henry and a Madison, could 
not have failed to impress the heart of the mar- 
quis de La Fayette with feelings of almost inex- 
pressible dehght. And, accordingly, in his feel- 
ji|ng reply, he expressed, in appropriate terms, 
his thanks for the flattering favour which they 
had conferred on him, and for the constant par- 
tiality and unbounded confidence of Virginia 
towards him, in the most trying times. " I need 



j254 ^-IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

not add," said he, " what my sentiments must be 
in Virginia, where step by step have I so keenly 
felt for her distress, — so eagerly enjoyed her re- 
covery. Our armed force was obliged to retreat, 
but your patriotic hearts stood unshaken; and 
while, either at that period, or in our better hours, 
my obligations to you are numberless, I am hap- 
py in this opportunity to observe, that the excel- 
lent services of your militia were continued with 
unparalleled steadiness. Impressed with the ne- 
cessity of federal union, I was the more pleased 
in the command of an army so peculiarly federal, 
as Virginia herself freely bled in defence of her 
sister states. — In my wishes to this common- 
wealth, gentlemen, I will persevere with the same 
zeal, that, once and forever, has devoted me to 
her. May her fertile soil rapidly increase her 
wealth — may all the watei^ which so luxuriantly 
flow within her limits be happy channels of the 
most extensive trade — and may she in her wis- 
dom, and the enjoyment of prosperity, continue 
to give the world unquestionable proofs of her 
philanthropy, and her regard for the liberties of 
all mankind." 

Washington and La Fayette now returned to- 
gether to Mount Vernon; and, for some time, 
they were fully occupied in honouring with their 
presence, the entertainments given by the citizens 
of Alexandria and Annapolis. The house of as- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 255 

sembly, of Maryland, which met in the latter 
city, hastened to testify their high respect and 
gratitude towards such illustrious individuals, by 
an eloquent address, that flowed directly from the 
heart; and the splendid festival which followed, 
was rendered yet more interesting, by the pre- 
sence of Henry Laurens, formerly president of 
congress. 

At Annapolis, La Fayette received the last em- 
braces and paternal benedictions of Washington; 
and took an affectionate farewell of the numerous 
friends who had assembled in that city. 

After passing through Baltimore and Philadel- 
phia, he arrived on the eighth of December at 
Trenton, where congress was then sitting, to take 
leave of that body. The next day he received 
the congratulations, and address, of the legisla- 
ture of New Jersey, who appointed a committee 
to welcome him in the name of the state. On 
the ninth of December, congress, desirous of 
manifesting, in the strongest manner, their esteem 
and regard for their distinguished guest. 

Resolved, That a committee, to consist of one 
member from each state, be appointed to receive 
the marquis, and, in the name of congress, to 
take leave of him. That they be instructed to 
assure him, that congress continue to entertain 
the same high sense of his abilities and zeal to 
promote the welfare of America, both here and 



256 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

in Europe, which they have frequently expressed 
and manifested on former occasions, and which 
the recent marks of his attention to their com- 
mercial and other interests, have perfectly con- 
firmed. That, as his uniform and unceasing at- 
tachment to this country has resembled that of 
a patriotic citizen, the United States regard him 
with particular affection, and will not cease to 
feel an interest in whatever may concern his 
honour and prosperity; and that their best and 
kindest wishes will always attend him. 

Resolved., That a letter be written to his most 
Christian majesty, to be signed by his excellency 
the president of congress, expressive of the high 
sense which the United States, in congress assem- 
bled, entertain of his zeal, talents, and meritori- 
ous services, of the marquis de La Fayette, and 
recommending him to the favour and patronage 
of his majesty. 

On the thirteenth of December, Mr. Jay, chair- 
man of the committee thus appointed to receive 
and take leave of the marquis, reported, that on 
the eleventh instant, they received him in the 
congress chamber, and took leave of him accord- 
ing to the instructions which they had received;—. 
that they communicated to him the purport of 
the resolutions of the ninth,— and that he, there- 
upon, made the following answer: 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. g57 

Sir, 

While it pleases the United States in congress 
so kindly to receive me, I want words to express 
the feelings of a heart wliich delights in their 
present situation, and the bestowed marks of 
their esteem. 

Since I joined the standard of liberty, to this 
wished-for hour of my personal congratulations, 
I have seen such glorious deeds performed, and 
virtues displayed, by the sons of America, that, 
in the instant of my first concern for them, I had 
anticipated but a part of the love and regard' 
which devote me to this rising empire. 

During our revolution, sir, I obtained an un- 
limited, indulgent, confidence, which I am equally 
happy and proud to acknowledge; it dates with 
the time, when, an unexperienced youth, I could 
only claim my respected friends' paternal adop- 
tion. It has been most benevolently continued 
throughout every circumstance of the cabinet 
and the field; and, in personal friendships, I have 
often found a support against public difficulties. 
While, on this solemn occasion, I mention my 
obligations to congress, the states, the people at 
large, permit me also to remember the dear mili- 
tary companions, to whose services their country 
is so much indebted. 

Having felt both for the timely aid of my coun- 
try, and for the part she, with a beloved king, 

K k 



258 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

acted in the cause of mankind, I enjoy an 
ance so well rivetted by mutual affection, by in- 
terest, and even local situation. Recollection 
ensures it. Futurity does but enlarge the pros- 
pect; and the private intercourse will, every day, 
increase, which independent and advantageous 
trade cherishes, in proportion as it is well under- 
stood. 

In unbounded wishes to America, sir, I am 
happy to observe the prevailing disposition of the 
people to strengthen the confederation, preserve 
public faith, regulate trade, and, in a proper guard 
over continental magazines and frontier posts, in 
a general system of militia, in foreseeing atten- 
tion to the navy, to insure every kind of safety. 
May this immense temple of freedom ever stand 
a lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed^ 
and a sanctuary for the rights of mankind! and 
may these happy United States attain that com- 
plete splendour and prosperity, which will illus- 
trate the blessings of their government, and for 
ages to come, rejoice the departed souls of its 
founders. 

However unwilling to trespass on your time, 
I must yet present you with grateful thanks for 
the late favours of congress, and never can they 
oblige me so much as when they put it in my 
power, in every part of the world, to the latest 
day of my life, to gratify the attachment which 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 259 

will ever rank me among the most zealous and 
respectful servants of the United States. 

La Fayette. 

La Fayette now returned to New York, where 
the frigate La Nymphe was prepared for his re- 
ception, and after remaining ten days in that city, 
he embarked at Whitehall, on the twenty-fifth of 
December, 1784, accompanied on board by the 
governor of the state, the officers of the army, 
the French consul, and a number of the citizens, 
who now reiterated their affectionate adieus. 
The flag of the United States waved over the 
forts on the battery, which saluted him with thir- 
teen guns; and the frigate returned the same 
number, the moment he stepped on board. 

Such was the closing scene of a visit, as novel 
as it proved pregnant in instructive truths, and 
as honourable to the two nations of France and 
America, as it was to the marquis de La Fayette. 

We have already mentioned that George Wash- 
ington Greene, the eldest son of general Greene, 
accompanied him to France, and pursued his 
education under the marquis' care, until the re- 
volution broke out in that country.— La Fayette 
also took with him a young Indian, named Otsi- 
guette, prince, and heir-apparent, of the Oneidas, 
a nation well-known for their persevering attach- 
ment to the American cause. At this period, he 



260 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

was wholly in a rude and uncultivated state; but, 
after some years instruction in France, his pro- 
ficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the 
French and English languages, and in other ac- 
quirements, promised much usefulness to his 
nation. But, after his return in the summer of 
1788, he soon became dissipated, and more sa- 
vage than ever, and died in a short time. 

Many of the states enacted laws to naturalize 
the marquis de La Fayette and his male descen- 
dants. In the year 1784, November session, the 
legislature of Maryland passed an act for that 
purpose, breathing the warm and strong feelings 
of those who knew him well, and speaking a lan- 
guage to which the heart of every American 
responds in sincere and cheerful accordance. — • 
Connecticut was the second state in the union, 
that offered, without solicitation, these noble and 
flattering privileges to a foreigner. The general 
assembly of Massachusetts also passed a special 
act of naturalization in favour of the marquis 
and his family; an honour which is thus acknow- 
ledged by him, in a letter to the late Samuel 
Breck, Esquire, of Boston, with whom he enjoy- 
ed reciprocal and uninterrupted friendship, until 
the period of his decease: " To be naturalized a 
Massachusetts-man, as well as my posterity, will 
be one of the most honourable and the most 
pleasing circumstances of a life which is forever 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 261 

devoted to love and to serve your country." Vir- 
ginia, and, it is believed, some other states, enact- 
ed similar laws. But his unlimited zeal for the 
glory and prosperity of the United States, and 
his ardent affection for the people, had long be- 
fore naturalized him in the heart of every lover 
of liberty. — During his visit, the colleges of Har- 
vard and Princeton conferred on him the hono- 
rary degree of Doctor of Laws; and he is also 
a member of the American Academy of Arts 
and Sciences, the American Philosophical Socie- 
ty, and other learned institutions. 

The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, 
placing the bust of La Fayette in the capitol of 
that state, has already been mentioned. The 
following is an extract of a letter relating to that 
bust, dated- seventeenth September, 1786, from 
Mr, Jefferson, minister plenipotentiary of the 
United States, to the Prevot des Marchands, and 
municipality of Paris: " The legislature of Vir- 
ginia, in grateful acknowledgment of the services 
of major-general the marquis de La Fayette, have 
resolved to place his bust in the capitol of that 
state. — Their intention of erecting, in the coun- 
try to which they owe his birth, a monument to 
those virtues which he possesses, and a memo- 
rial of those sentiments with which he has in- 
spired them, have encouraged them to hope that 
the city of Paris will consent to become the de- 



262 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

positoiy of a second evidence of their gratitude. 
—Charged by the legislature with the execution 
of the resolution which they have adopted, I have 
the honour to solicit the Prevot des Marchands, 
and the municipality of Paris, to accept the bust 
of that brave officer, and to place it in a situation 
where he may ever continue to call forth the 
homage, and attest the admiration and love, of 
the allies of France." 

Soon after this letter was received, the baron 
de Breteuil, minister and secretary of state, for 
the department of Paris, informed the Prevot des 
Marchands and municipality, that the king, to 
whom the proposition had been submitted, ap- 
proved of the erection of the bust by the city. 
In consequence of this permission, the corpora- 
tion met on the twenty-eighth of September, 
1786, and Mr. Short, formerly a member of the 
council of Virginia, (Mr. Jefferson being confined 
by indisposition to his house,) attended at the 
H6tel-de-Ville, to present to them the bust of the 
marquis, together with a letter from Mr. Jeffer- 
son, and a copy of the resolutions adopted by 
the legislature of Virginia. M. le Pelletier de 
Morfontaine, counsellor of state and Prevot des 
Marchands, having stated the object of the meet- 
ing, the documents relating to it were read by 
M. Veytard, the chief clerk; after which the at- 
torney general, M. Ethit de Corny, a member of 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 26S 

the American Cincinatti, pronounced a suitable 
discourse, in which he depicted, with eloquence 
and animation, the various services which M. de 
La Fayette had rendered in North America, the 
confidence reposed in him by the army, and the 
affection of the people towards that celebrated 
commander. By virtue of his official station, he 
gave the necessary directions for the formal ac- 
ceptance of the bust, which was placed in one of 
the hails of rilotel-de-Ville,— This novel and in- 
teresting ceremony produced the most delightful 
impressions on the minds of the spectators; and 
a gentleman present happily applied to the mar- 
quis de La Fayette, the words of Tacitus, /rz/i^wr 
famaJ^ " Frangas 7ion flectas,'' would have been 
equally applicable.! 

We have now detailed the services rendered 
by La Fayette to the United States, the glory 
which he obtained, and the well-merited honours 
that were bestowed on him by a grateful people. 
And, while a sentiment of public virtue continues 
to animate the human mind, the name of LA 
FAYETTE will be enthusiastically venerated as 
dear to liberty, to true glory, honour, and hu- 
manity. 



*Mem. Historiques. p. 114 — 116. 

tThis bust was subsequently broken to pieces by the Jacobins 
or their satellites; but the original could never be made to bend 
beneath oppression or tyranny. 



264 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

Europe now became the theatre on which the 
marquis de La Fayette continued to devote his 
time and talents to the accompUshment of those 
objects, which he believed conducible to the hap- 
piness and welfare of his fellow-creatures.— x\n 
indefatigable activity in the cause of all that is 
great or good, united the efforts of La Fayette 
to those of Malesherbes, for the amelioration of 
the condition of the French protestants, and he 
obtained a decree in their favour in the assembly 
of the Notables, in 1787. At the same time he 
espoused the interests of the Batavian patriots, 
and devoted his powers and fortune to the gradual 
emancipation of the blacks. At a subsequent 
period, fifteenth May, 1791, he demanded, and 
obtained, a decree permitting men of colour to 
the rights of citizens. — While the court of Ver- 
sailles protected the Barbary corsairs, he op- 
posed the measure at home, and assisted Jeffer- 
son in his league against that piratical band, so 
long the shame and scourge of Europe. — In this 
manner did La Fayette unite his philanthropic 
feelings with those which existed in various and 
widely separated countries. It is a remarkable cir- 
cumstance, says Madame Be Stael, that through- 
out the world, wherever a certain depth of 
thought exists, there is not to be found an enemy 
to freedom. From one end of the world to the 
other, the friends of freedom maintain commu- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 265 

nication by knowledge, as religious men by senti- 
meats; or rather knowledge and sentiment unite 
in the love of freedom, as in that of the Su- 
preme Being. Is the question, the abolition of 
the slave trade, or the liberty of the press, or re- 
ligious toleration? — Jefferson thinks as La Fay- 
ette; La Fayette, as Wilberforce; and even they 
who are now no more, unite in the holy league. 
Is it then from the calculations of interest, is it 
from bad motives, that men so superior, in situa- 
tions and countries so different, should be in such 
harmony in their political opinions? ^^ithout 
doubt, knowledge is necessary to enable us to 
soar above prejudices; but it is in the soul also 
that the principles of liberty are founded; — they 
make the heart palpitate like love and friendship, 
— they come from nature, — they ennoble the 
character. One connected series of virtues and 
ideas seems to form that golden chain described 
by Homer, which, in binding man to Heaven, 
delivers him from all the fetters of tyranny.* 

We are now arrived at the commencement of 
a revolution, which, on the one hand, was hailed 
as the harbinger of universal freedom, and called 
" the most stupendous fabric of human wisdom 
and virtue that ever had been erected," and, on 

* De Stael French Revolution, vol. iii, p. 403, 410.— Lady Mor- 
gan's France, p. 317. 

L 1 



266 LIFE OF LA FAYETtE, 

the other, was pronounced " the most tremen- 
dous chaos that ever the united wiles and strength 
of insanity, backed by the profoundest combina- 
tions of wickedness, had made of human society 



.'» 



'/ ? 



and, say the advocates of the last opinion, it was 
the more destructive, because the men who un- 
dertook it, if they had not the prudence which 
knowledge can bestow, had all its ingenuity, and 
employed their vivacity in more speedy demo- 
lition than ever before was imagined by man. — - 
It is not our province, at present, to examine the 
course and conduct of the French revolution, 
abstracted from its connexion with the life of La 
Fayette. It is, however, proper to observe, that 
the beginning of it bore a character entirely dis- 
tinct from that whicli marked its subsequent fran- 
tic and sanguinary scenes. At the first period of 
that extraordinary event, it was almost univer- 
sally admired. When the Bastile was destroyed, 
who did not rejoice at the approaching emanci- 
pation of the French?— In considering the affairs 
of France at that period, we find that four classes 
of men existed in that country. The first grand 
division was into royalists and republicans; the 
royalists were subdivided into those who were 
advocates for the ancient despotism, and those 
who were the advocates of a limited monarchy: 
—-the republicans also were divided into those 
who wished for a popular form of government 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 2(37 

by a representative assembly, and those who, 
professing democratic principles, established the 
tyranny which for a season prevailed. The latter 
class, deriving all their ideas of government from 
clubs, soon sunk under the furious tyranny of that 
authority; and, without minutely tracing the pro- 
gress of the revolution, it is only necessary to 
remark, that from it sprung the ruffians who 
ruled over France, and deluged that unfortunate 
country with blood. — In which of these classes 
or descriptions of men, are we to seek for La 
Fayette? — Most undoubtedly in that which fa- 
voured the establishment of a limited monarchy, 
and of which he was a distinguished member.— 
The eminent men who exerted themselves in 
the dawn of the revolution, acted from the most 
pure and patriotic motives: they were alike the 
enemies of anarchy and the friends of rational 
freedom. If their pohtical acts were, in some 
cases, erroneous, the fault w^as unintentional;— if 
they led to fatal results, it arose not from any 
actual criminality attached to the measures, but 
from the use that was made of them. It may be 
admitted that the first constitution of France w^as 
so unskilfully made, that it contained principles 
of self-destruction, and must have terminated as 
it did; but then it must be observed that those 
who formed it, did it from error of judgment;— 
that, among them, there were men of the best 



26^ I-IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

intentions;— and that, in forming it, they adopted 
a wise and efficient plan, although their country 
had not the good fortune to make it effective. 
Among the promoters of this scheme, and one 
of the first in the consideration of the constituent 
assembly, was the marquis de La Fayette. At 
that time, his principles and actions were conso- 
nant with the general feelings of all good men 
who heard of them: but the course which the 
revolution took, when guided by the Jacobin par- 
ty, and the enormities committed under the mask 
of liberty, soon produced a revolution in public 
sentiment. The re-action was as powerful as 
the original excitement, and resulted, as usual, 
in the formation of opinions founded in extremes. 
Every thing that sounded like liberty was now 
reprobated, every thing criminal was attributed 
to it, and every actor in its support denounced; — 
while every thing done by despots was admired 
and extolled, as if kings alone had an exclusive 
privilege or patent, to commit crimes. — Many, 
influenced by the consequences of the French 
revolution, viewed with equal enmity those men 
who, from the most laudable motive, joined in 
the measures for obtaining a free constitution for 
France, and those who rendered these measures 
abortive, by involving the country in anarchy, 
and drenching it in blood. With equal discern- 
ment might Hampden be confounded with Crom- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. ^69 

well, or Russell or Sydney with Titus Gates. To 
charge the dukes of Rochefoucault and Liancourt, 
monsieurs de Lally-Tolendal, Mounier, Clermont- 
Tomierre, Malouet, La Fayette, and many others, 
whose views were to reform the abuses of an ar- 
bitrary government, and establish a limited mo- 
narchy, as in any respect accessary to the bloody 
scenes which were acted in the course of the 
revolution, is in the highest degree absurd. If 
such reasoning were admitted, Luther would be 
proved to be the author of the massacre of St. 
Bartholomew; because, unless he had attempted 
to detect the abuses of popery, and brought about 
the reformation, there would have been no pro- 
testants to massacre.* 

But, according to the view given by those who, 
from policy or tear, have slandered the character 
of La Fayette, it would appear that he was a 
prime instigator of, and principal actor in, the 
worst and most atrocious enormities committed 
during the revolution. It would seem that, almost 
exclusively to him, the French nation owed the 
origin of sansculottes — the prostration of religion 
— ^the deification of the goddess of Reason — the 
invention of the guillotine, or "national razor" — 
the monstrous horrors of feux-de-Jile, noyades, 

* Moore's View France, vol. i, 288, 9. — Parlaiment. Chron. voL 
ix, 643, 668.— Quart. Rev. vol. xxviii, 273-5. 



270 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

and fusillades; of " patriotic curtailing," and " lan- 
terning'^ — the shouts of five la Montague! Vive 
la liberie! Vive la nation! — A la Force! A I'Ab- 
baye! A la mort!— the curse of domiciliary visits 
— the massacres of the Septembrisers — the 
^^ bonnetsi'ouges" of the female "furies of the 
guillotine" — the frantic yells of the regicides, 
and mangling butchers of madame de Lamballe 
—the bands of Sanguinocrats and Montagnards; — 
and, in a word, all those many and varied horrors 
which attended the French i-evolution, and which 
seemed to be a summary of all that had ever be- 
fore taken place in the world. — But what is the 
fact? — While these atrocities were committed, La 
Fayette was immured in the dungeons of a des- 
pot, for having dared to endeavour to stem the 
torrent of Jacobinical fury, and prevent the per- 
petration of crimes at which human nature re- 
volts: in flying from the fury of self-created ty- 
rants, he fell into the power of legal, but not 
more merciful, despots. We are prepared not 
only to show that he had necessarily no agency, 
direct or indirect, in crimes committed after the 
insurrection of the populace on the twentieth of 
June, 179S, but that he uniformly used every ex- 
ertion, and even risked his hfe, in the support of 
order and law, previous to that period.* On the 

* The author of this work has it in contemplation, to publish a 
complete refutation of all the calumnies and charges against the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 271 

nineteenth of August, 1792, La Fayette was com- 
pelled to abandon an ungrateful country, in order 
to save himself from the exterminating fangs of 
the Jacobins. The insurrection of the tenth of 
August, accompanied by a forcible entrance into 
the Tuil cries, the massacre of the king's guards, 
and the suspension of his power, although it took 
place previous to the actual retirement of Fay- 
ette from the French territory, was totally un- 
known to, and unsuspected by him, distant as he 
then was from Ihe capital. — The massacres of 
September, the formal abolishment of royalty, 
the execution of the royal family, and the long 
train of judicial murders and monstrous barbari- 
ties, committed during the reign of terror and 
the complete ascendency of the Jacobins, all 
took place subsequent to his emigration; and 
were not less odious to him than to every real 
frend of virtue and humanity. If we follow him 
in every step he took, from the commencement 
of the revolution down to the moment that he 
withdrew himself from the Jacobin club, whom 
he detested for their popular excesses, and their 
usurpation of power, we should find in him a 



life and character of general La Fayette. Should this intention 
be carried into effect, he believes that he may confidently pledge 
himself to establish the truth of the assertions in the text, in a 
more full and satisfactory manner than the limits of the present 
work will admit of. 



272 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

steady friend to peace, to order, general tranquil- 
lity, and happiness; — a supporter of the existing 
law; — a fixed foe to anarchy and confusion. We 
venture to challenge the strictest scrutiny into 
his conduct during the whole of these trying 
scenes, in which he was engaged in common 
with every other Frenchman; and w^e are confi- 
dent that he would be uniformly and constantly 
found to have been the undeviating friend of the 
law, as established, and the promoter of the peace 
and happiness of his countryman.* 

A variety of causes conspired to shake the 
foundation of a throne upheld by the veneration 
of fourteen centuries, and to threaten the down- 
fall of a prince, the successor of sixty-eight 
kings. The grand primary and pre-disposing 
cause of the revolution, originated in the disor- 
ganization of the finances, which excited the 
clamours of the people;— the spirited and elo- 
quent protests of the parliaments, the impotent 
vengeance of the prince, and finally, an appeal 
to the states-general, awakened the multitude 
from their lethargy, and prepared the catastro- 
phe that so speedily ensued. Besides these ex- 
citements, the liberties and prosperity of En- 
gland, which flourished under its free constitu- 
tion, could not be conteipplated without produc- 

* Parliament. Chron. vol. is, 643, 644. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. g73 

ing a powerful eifect. From various causes, the 
great body of ihe army, hithierto the bulwark of 
the monarchy and the scourge of the people, 
participated also, in some measure, in the gene- 
ral disaffection. The French soldiery were soon 
taught that they had hitherto mistaken the object 
of their glory: they learned to distinguish between 
the monarch and the monarchy; they were im- 
pressed with the great and important lesson, — 
that allegiance and protection are reciprocal du- 
ties, and that true patriotism consists in serving 
our country alone.* 

"The revolution," madame de Stael remarks, 
"must be attributed to every thing, and to nothing; 
every year of the century led to it by every path." 
It is not our dutv to thread them. — The Ameri- 
can revolution was, without doubt, accessary to 
that which occurred in France. It is difficult to 
suppose that so many thousand officers and sol- 
diers had visited, and fought in behalf of the 
rights of, America, without being imbued with 
something of a kindred spirit. There, they be- 
held a new and happy nation, among whom the 
pride of birth and the distinctions of rank, were 
alike unknown; there they, for the first time, saw 
virtue and talents and courage, rewarded; there 
they viewed, with surprise, a sovereign people 



Wars of the French Rev, vol. \, Introd. sect. 5. 

M m 



•274 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

fighting, not for a master, but themselves, and 
haranguing, deliberating, dispensing justice, and 
administering the laws, by representatives of their 
own free choice. On their return, the contrast 
was odious and intolerable; — they beheld family 
preferred to merit, influence to justice, wealth to 
worth; they began to examine into a constitution 
in which the monarch, whom they were now ac- 
customed to consider as only the first magistrate, 
was every thing, and the people, the fountain of 
all power, merely cyphers; and they may well 
be supposed to have wished, and even languished 
for, a change.* 

In fine, the people being left entirely destitute 
of redress or protection, the royal authority para- 
mount and unbounded; the laws venal; the peas- 
antry oppressed; agriculture in a languishing 
state; commerce considered as degrading; the 
public revenues farmed out to greedy financiers; 
the public money consumed by a court wallow- 
ing in luxury; and every institution at variance 
with justice, policy, and reason; — a change be- 
came inevitable in the ordinary course of human 
events; and, like all sudden alterations in corrupt 
states, was accompanied with temporary evils and 
crimes, that made many good men look back on 
the ancient despotism with a sigh. But, at this 

* Wars French Rev. vol. i, Introd. xlii. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 275 

period, the cry of liberty resounded in every di- 
rection from Paris, the city where the revolution 
was engendered, to the Alps, the Pyrennees, the 
plains of Flanders, the borders of the Channel, 
and the shores of the Mediterranean and the 
Atlantic* 

The heroic La Fayette could not fail to attract 
the attention of his countrymen at this important 
period; — a period pregnant too with men of ex- 
traordinary parts, yet vast as was the genius of 
many of those who stept forth to regenerate the 
ill-fated land, and actuated, as they were, by mo- 
tives and systems of the most opposite kind, 
they all united in fixing the marquis in the fore- 
most rank. Actuated exclusively by the love of 
his country, his motives have, however, been 
alike calumniated by the emigrants and the Jaco- 
bins; to whose selfishness and personality, his 
example and his influence were equally opposed: 
and, while the family of Louis XVI rejected his 
proffered assistance, in distrust of his exertions 
in the cause of freedom, he was already marked 
out for destruction by the clubs, for his strenuous 
attachment to constitutional monarchy. The 
spirit by which he was governed, cannot be bet- 
ter displayed, than in his reply to the eager en- 
thusiasm of the mob, when, in the day of his 

* Wars French Rev. vol. i, Introd. liv. 

\ T 



276 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

brightest popularity, the ever- memorable four- 
teenth of July, he exclaimed to those who press- 
ed round him, '' Aimez les amis du peuple, mais 
reservez Paveugle soumission pour la loi, et Pen- 
thoiisiasme 2>our la liberie.^' (Love the friends of 
the people, but remember submission to the laws, 
and enthusiasm for liberty.) When the march of 
the revolution was interrupted, and its objects 
frustrated, by the intrigues of faction and the fu- 
ry of democracy, La Fayette opposed himself 
steadily to the colossal and disorganizing power 
of the Jacobins; " Que le regne des clubs," he 
exclaimed, "aneanti par vous, fasse place au 
regne de la loi." (May the reign of the clubs, 
annihilated by you, give place to the reign of the 
law.)* 

The minister, De Calonne, fully sensible that 
the finances of the kingdom could never be placed 
on a solid basis, but by the reformation of what 
was vicious in the constitution of the state, was 
at the same time convinced that something more 
was necessary to give weight to this reform, than 
the royal authority. He perceived that the par- 
liament was neither a fit instrument for introduc- 
ing a new order into public affairs, nor would 
submit to be the passive machine for sanctioning 
the plans of a minister, even if those plans were 

* Ladv Morgan's France, p. 317 Port Folio, vol, xix, p. 504, 5. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 277 

the emanation of perfect wisdom. An assembly 
more dignified and solemn in its character, and 
which should consist, in a greater degree, of 
members from the different provinces of the 
kingdom, was necessary to give force and efficacy 
to his proceedings. The true and legitimate as- 
sembly of the nation, the states-general, had not 
met since the year 16145- and was, moreover, a 
meeting which a despotic sovereign could not but 
regard with apprehension. Another assembly 
had been occasionally substituted instead of the 
states-general; and as it consisted of a number 
of persons from all parts of the realm, chiefly 
selected from the higher orders, and nominated 
by the king himself, it had been dignified by the 
title of the notables. This assembly had. been 
convened by Henry IV, and again by Lewis XUI, 
and was now once more assembled by the au- 
thority of Lewis XVI. The proclamation for as- 
sembling the notables, who consisted of one hun- 
dred and four members, was issued on the twen- 
ty-ninth of December, 1786, and that body first 
met on the twenty-second of February, 1787, 
when M. de Calonne submitted liis long-expected 
plan of reform. 

The notables were divided into seven different 
bureaux, or sections, over each of which a prince 
of the blood presided. Every question was to 
be decided by the majority of the sections; and 



278 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

thus the minister contrived that forty-four suf- 
frages should constitute a majority of the whole; 
which, by a skilful disposal of his creatures, he 
reasonably expected to secure. But all his pre- 
cautions were in vain; it was impossible to con- 
ceal the monstrous deficit of one hundred and 
ten millions of livres.* 

La Fayette was a member of the opposition 
party. The law prescribed a certain age for the 
admission of members, but he was elected and 
admitted, although some months younger than 
the requisite time, the law being suspended in 
his favour. In this assembly, he appealed against 
the mighty mass of abuses in the criminal juris- 
prudence of the state; but they were not effectu- 
ally attacked until the meeting of the constituent 
assembly. He was the first to raise his voice for 
the suppression of state-prisons, and lettres-de- 
cachet,which were described as being the common 
instruments of concealed views and private re- 
venge; the monarchy was stated to be degene- 
rating into actual despotism, through the nefa- 
rious abuse of the king's authority by ministers, 
in the application of those lettres; and it was 
boldly asserted that no Frenchman had any secu- 
rity for his liberty, while lettres-de-cachet were 
permitted to have the effect of laws, and were 

* GiiFord's Hist. France, 4to, vol. iii, 532. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 279 

considered as necessary and essential parts of 
government— La Fayette also supported the 
cause of the protestants, particularly in a me- 
morial presented to the king during the session 
of the notables in 1787, which led, in a great 
measure, to the edict in their favour introduced 
on the nineteenth of November, 1787, and re- 
gistered by the parliament on the tv^enty-ninth 
of January, 1788. " A portion of our citizens," 
said M. de La Fayette, " who unfortunately do 
not profess the cathohc religion, find themselves 
condemned to a kind of civil death. The bureau 
is too well acquainted with the heart of his ma- 
jesty not to be convinced that his majesty, (wish- 
ing to extend the love of religion among all his 
subjects, of whom he is the common father, and 
knowing that truth will support itself, while error 
alone requires constraint,) unites the benevolent 
spirit of tolerance to the other virtues which 
have attracted the love of the nation. The bu- 
reau, therefore, hastens to present to his majesty 
its earnest solicitations, that that numerous por- 
tion of his subjects may no longer be suffered to 
groan under a system of proscription, equally 
opposed to the general interests of religion, to 
national industry, population, and all the princi- 
ples of poMcy and morality." As a powerful op- 
ponent of the plans of the minister, he demand- 
ed a reform in the government, and supported 



280 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

his opinions by four memorials, which particularly 
embraced the miserable state of the finances, and 
the absolute necessity of introducing a more ef- 
ficacious system of finance, and which he sub- 
mitted to the bureau, or section, over which M. 
le Compte D'Artois presided. Much excitement 
was occasioned by the demands of La Fayette 
relating to the public economy, and the count 
D'Artois particularly expressed his disapprobation 
of the course pursued by the marquis. The king 
having objected to the memorials which, at va- 
rious stages of their deliberations, had been trans- 
m tted to him by the notables, because they 
wanted the signatures of the memorialists, M. 
de La Fayette, whose patriotism was as active 
and pure as his courage and abilities had been 
useful to America, requested permission to read 
another memorial signed by himself, at the same 
time, praying M. the count D'Artois to present 
it to his majesty, as coming from him alone. The 
bureau unanimously agreed to hear the memo- 
rial, but before it could be read. La Fayette found 
himself placed in a very delicate situation. The 
count D'Artois declared that, in the very first 
phrase, it appeared to him, to be too personal and 
emphatic. Under these circumstances, it required 
more than ordinary presence of mind, united 
with the most disinterested patriotism, not to be 
confused or intimidated. M. de La Fayette 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 281 

betrayed no symptoms of fear, but frankly replied 
to his royal highness, that he possessed by birth 
the right of laying his representations at the foot 
of the throne. He was promptly supported by 
M. de CastilloD, who addressed La Fayette nearly 
in the following terms: " I undertake to assure 
you, in the name of the notables of this bureau, 
what none will, I believe, disavow, that your ap- 
peal is just; — that we all consider it our duty 
zealously to support it; -and that this bureau 
will unite with you in obtaining a redress of the, 
grievances of which you complain." AnotliJ^r; 
of the members, highly excited by his enthi|;>i- 
asm, exclaimed to La Fayette, " Your exploits in 
America have already exalted you to the rank of 
heroes; but it is especially at this time that you 
merit that glorious title." — M. de La Fayette in- 
terrupted these flattering remarks, and addressed 
himself to the president, the count D'Artois, in 
energetic language, condemning the monstrous 
system of stock-jobbing that had been so fatally 
practised; proposing a close and general exami- 
nation into the royal receipts and expenditures; 
and exhibiting the disorder of the finances, and 
wanton waste of the public revenue. " I repeat," 
he concluded, "with renewed confidence, the 
remark, that the millions which are dissipated, 
^re collected by taxation, and that taxation can 
only be justified by the real wants of the state;-— 

N n 



^282 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

that the millions abandoned to peculation or ava- 
rice, are the fruits of the labour, the tears, and 
perhaps the blood, of the people; and that the 
computation of unfortunate individuals, which 
has been made for the purpose of realizing sums 
so heedlessly squandered, affords a frightful sub- 
ject of consideration for the justice and goodness 
which, we feel convinced, are the natural senti- 
ments of his majesty."* 

During the second session of the notables, who 
met on the sixth of November, 1787, he propos- 
ed, and ably advocated, the convocation of the 
states-general. " Quoif' said the timid courtier, 
the count D'Artois, " vous faites la motion des 
etats-generaux?'^ " Et meine mieux que cela!^^ 
(A\hat! — you make the motion of the states-ge- 
neral? — And better even than that,) replied La 
Fayette. — At the earnest entreaty of the new 
minister of finances, (M. Necker,) the king re- 
luctantly consented to the convocation of the 
states-general, whose powers and popularity 
would overshadow his authority, and whose ju- 
risdiction would confine within narrow limits, the 
ample prerogative he had inherited from his pre« 
decessors. The meeting of that celebrated as- 
sembly was at length fixed for the first of May, 

* Port Folio, voi. xix, 505. — Annual Reg. xxsi, p. 4, 6. — Mem, 
Historiq. p. 133—161, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 28S 

1789. The whole nation appeared to be electri- 
fied by the event; popular meetings were held 
and addresses presented; and • the principles of 
liberty victoriously diffused themselves through 
every part of the kingdom. The attention of all 
Europe was fixed on this great meeting, and the 
fifth of May, 1789, on which it actually occurred, 
after a lapse of one hundred and seventy-five 
years, will be long memorable in the annals of 
France: and it was, indeed, a day of festivity to 
the whole nation. 

La Fayette was chosen deputy to the states- 
general, without opposition, by the nobility of 
Auvergne, and he took his seat in that body sup- 
ported by public opinion. The states-general 
were composed of three different bodies; — the 
nobility, the clergy, and the tiers-etats, or com- 
mons. During the contests which occurred with 
respect to the mode of voting by orders, or by 
poll, a question which soon involved the national 
representatives in faction and dispute, La Fayette 
held himself in reserve, and, although he fully 
united with the unanimous voice of the three 
orders in favour of a constitution, liberty, the as- 
sumption of natural rights, and the protection of 
the public treasure, and afterwards placed him- 
self in the first rank in constitutional enterprises, 
he did not then speak on the occasion. 



284 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

After a long contest relative to 'the mode of 
voting, and after the states-general, at the termi- 
nation of five weeks, found themselves in the 
same inactive state as at first, the tiers-etats, or 
commons, resolved to emerge from this criminal 
inactivity; to make a last effort for a union of the 
orders; and, should that fail, to form themselves 
into an active assembly for the despatch of busi- 
ness. On the thirteenth of June, they accordingly 
proceeded to the call of the deputies, including 
those of the privileged classes. Not one of the 
nobility appeared, and but three of the clergy: 
the latter were, the next day, followed by five 
more of their brethren, ki length the deputies 
of the people, finding themselves supported by 
the public opinion, proceeded, on the seven- 
teenth of June, 1789, to the daring step of as- 
suming to themselves the legislative government; 
and, on that memorable day, they announced 
themselves to the public by the since celebrated 
denomination of the national assembly.^ 

We must now confine ourselves to those parts 
of the history of the French revolution, in which 
the marquis de La Fayette was a principal or 
conspicuous actor. 

The sitting of eleventh July, 1789, drew the 
public attention still more particularly towards 

* Hist. Revol, in France, vol. i, p. 56, 7. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 285 

La Fayette, and from that day, may be dated the 
immense power which he acquired. It was oh 
that day, that he addressed the constituent assem- 
bly, and proposed a declaration of rights, nearly 
similar to that which the Americans placed at 
the head of their constitution, after conquering 
their independence. The English, hkewise, after 
excluding the Stewarts, and calling Wilham III 
to the crown, made him sign a bill of rights, on 
which their present constitution is founded. But 
the American bill of rights being intended for a 
people where there were no pre-existing privi- 
leges to impede the pure operation of reason, 
there was a propriety in prefixing a declaration 
of the universal principles of political liberty and 
equality, altogether in conformity with the state 
of knowledge already diffused among them. In 
England, the bill of rights did not proceed on 
general ideas; it confirmed existing laws and in- 
stitutions. — The French declaration of rights of 
1789, contained the best part of those of England 
and America; but it would have, perhaps, been 
better to have confined it, on the one hand, to 
what was indisputable, and, on the other, to what 
would not have admitted of any dangerous inter- 
pretation. There can be no doubt, says Madame 
De Stael, that distinctions in society can have no 
other object than the general good; that all political 
power takes its rise from the interest of the people; 



286 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

and that men are born and remain free and equal 
in the eye of the law; — but there is ample space 
for sophistry in so wide a field, while nothing is 
more clear or undoubted than the application of 
these truths to individual liberty, the establish- 
ment of juries, the freedom of the press, popu- 
lar elections, the division of the legislative pow- 
er, the sanctioning of taxes, ^c. ^c* 

The three different plans of a declaration of 
rights, which principally engaged the attention of 
the assembly, were subnutted by La Fayette, 
Mounier, and the Abbe Sieyes. Mounier was a 
literary man, and of great abilities, and his pro- 
ject was preferred; but, in fact, it was very little 
different from that first offered by Fayette: all the 
originality of it was due to his first speech on 
that subject. In its clearness and simplicity, the 
scheme of La Fayette greatly resembled the ce- 
lebrated American declaration. In offering it to 
the consideration of the assembly, he made the 
following memorable discourse: " Although my 
powers have taken from me the right of voting 
among you, I ought nevertheless to offer to you 
my opinion. The labour of making a declara- 
tion of rights has been presented to you, as a 
primary object, — a declaration which is undoubt- 
edly indispensible. It is not founded on ideas 

■ Consider. French Rev. vol. \, chap, iii, p. 27S. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 287 

merely metaphysical, but on the very basis of 
society. — It is necessary to recognise the rights 
which are engraven on every heart. — Yet, it ap- 
pears to me, that this declaration ought to be 
restricted to the rights of man, and of man living 
in society. — I will have the honour of submitting 
to you the first model of this work; but I am far 
from demanding its adoption: I merely request 
that copies of it may be circulated among the 
different bureaux.'" He then proceeded to estab- 
lish two practical advantages which would result 
from a declaration of rights. The first was to 
call forth the sentiments which nature had stamp- 
ed on the heart of every man, but which receive 
new force when they are recognised by all; and 
this development, he maintained, was so much 
the more interesting, as a nation, to love liberty, 
only required a knowledge of it; " to be free," 
said he, "they have only to desire it." — The 
second advantage anticipated, was to unfold and 
declare those truths from which every institution 
ought to emanate, and to become, in the labours 
of the national representatives, a faithful guide 
which would steadfastly direct their attention 
towards the true source of natural and social 
right. — He insisted that the principal merits of 
a declaration of rights consisted in truth and 
precision; that it ought to declare what all the 
world knew, and felt; and that that opinion alone 



288 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

had induced him to sketch the digest which he 
was now about to submit for their consideration, 
in the hope that it might lead other members to 
produce better plans, to which he would willing- 
ly give his support. — M. de Lally Tolendal then 
rose in support of the motion, and observed, 
" All the principles which it contains are sacred, 
—its sentiments noble and sublime; and the au- 
thor of it now speaks as eloquently of liberty, as 
he has gallantly defended it." — The following 
project of La Fayette, was then read: 

" Nature has made all men free and equal: the 
distinctions which are necessary for social order 
are founded alone on public good. 

" Man is born with inalienable and imprescrip- 
tible rights; such as the unshackled liberty of 
opinion, the care of his honour and life, the right 
of property, the complete control over his per- 
son, his industry, and all his faculties; the free 
expression of his opinion in every possible man- 
ner; the worship of the Almighty; and resistance 
against oppression. 

" The exercise of natural rights has no other 
limits than those which are necessary to secure 
their enjoyments to every member of society. 

" No man can be submitted to laws which he 
has not sanctioned, either himself, or through his 
representatives, and which have not been pro- 
perly promulgated and legally executed. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 289 

" The principle of all sovereignty rests in the 
people. No body, nor individual, can possess 
any authority which does not expressly emanate 
ii'om the nation. 

" The sole end of all government is the pub- 
lic good. That good demands that the legisla- 
tive, executive, and judicial, powers, should be 
distinct and defined; and that their organization 
should secure the free representation of tlie citi- 
zens, the responsibility of their deputies, and the 
impartiality of the judges. 

" The laws ought to be clear, precise, and uni- 
form, in their operation, towards every class of 
citizens. 

" Subsidies ought to be liberally granted; and 
the taxes proportionably distributed. 

"And, as the introduction of abuses, and the 
rights of succeeding generations, will require the 
revision of all human institutions, the nation 
ought to possess the power, in certain cases, to 
summon an extraordinary assembly of deputies, 
whose sole object shall be to examine, and cor- 
rect, if it be necessary, the faults of the consti- 
tution."* 

Such was the foundation on which the cele- 
brated declaration of rights, passed in the month 
of August, 1789, was formed. In the course of 

^Memoires Histoviques, p. 168 — 17^. 

o o 



^90 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the long debate which it occasioned, M. de La 
Fayette pronounced that far-famed sentence, 
which has been so often repeated, and so various- 
ly expounded, — '' Insurrection is the most holy of 
duties.''— It might have been expected that La 
Fayette would be considered criminal, for wish- 
ing to establish not only the freedom of his own 
country, but universal liberty, by the enemies of 
all revolutions, and by all those who love better 
quietum servitium quam periculosam lihertatem; — 
it might have been especially expected, that fo- 
reign governments, which consider their subjects 
as the property of their family or of their par- 
tiular order, would have distorted the application 
of this maxim to all cases, instead of restricting 
it to opposition agaiust unjust oppression; — but 
that rational and sensible men should, in order 
to render the expression reprehensible, have en- 
deavoured to generalise it, is truly in itself a most 
unjust, illiberal, and oppressive act. It is a re- 
proach which ought never to have been uttered 
in any other place than at the portals of the pri- 
son of Olmutz.* — The sentiments of La Fayette 
on this subject, are, in fact, as universal as liberty; 
because where they are not cherished, liberty 
cannot exist. It was especially in Great Britain 
that tliis axiom was subjected to the vilest oppro- 

* Toulong. Hist, de France, tome i, Pieces Justicatives, p^ I40« 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 291 

brium; and the political writers of that country 
continue, in the face of justice and honour, to 
hold it up in its distorted features, as a lasting 
blemish upon the character of La Fayette.* 
What opinion, then, ought such men to form of 
their own parliamentary representatives who did 
not pretend to oppose or deny the same axiom, 
still more emphatically pronounced by Mr. Court- 
ney in the house of commons?! He justly and 
eloquently declared, that he considered democra- 
tic insurrections as useful; that they could last 
but a short time, and, like hurricanes and thun- 
der-storms, they cleared the stagnant atmosphere. 
" I would rather," he exclaimed, " be tossed about 
in the wildest blasts and tempests of democracy, 
than breathe for an hour the still and pestilential 
breath of despotism." — Happily for the universal 
cause of liberty, there is now scarcely a bosom 
that does not respond to these sentiments, from 
our inland oceans, to the southern verge of Ame- 
rica; — and a whole hemisphere is ready to ex- 
claim, in the words and according to the meaning 
of La Fayette, that Insurrection is the most holy 
of duties. 

At this period, the court was making military 
preparations which seemed to announce tne in- 

* Vide Quart. Review, vol. xxviii, p. 293, &c. 
tParl. Chrou. vol. ix, p. 668. March IT, 1794. 



292 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

tentioii of dissolving the assembly by force. Or- 
ders bad been, for some time, issued to collect a 
large body of troops; and as the French soldiery 
could not now be depended on, foreigners were 
preferred to the national regiments. Thirty-five 
thousand men were already cantoned in the 
neighbourhood of the capital, and twenty thou- 
sand more were expected. These, connected 
with other formidable preparations, produced a 
general agitation among the citizens of Paris, and 
excited them to commit many outrages. La 
Fayette now zealously supported the motion of 
Mirabeau for the removal of the troops, and, 
on the tenth of July, an address to that effect was 
presented to the king. On the fifteenth, the so- 
vereign appeared in the assembly, and announced 
that the troops were ordered back: this was the 
beginning of the emigration. In the course of 
these proceedings, La Fayette demanded an im- 
mediate declaration of the responsibihty of min- 
isters, and the recall of M. Necker; and the as- 
sembly accordingly resolved unanimously,* "That 
M. Necker, and the rest of the late ministry, car- 
ried with them the confidence and the regret of 
the assembly; that they would not cease to insist 
on the removal of the troops; that no interme- 
diate power can exist between the king and the 
representatives of the nation; that the ministers 
and agents of authoritv, civil and military, are 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE; 293 

responsible to the people for their conduct; that 
the present ministers and counsellors of his ma- 
jesty were personally responsible for the impend- 
ing calamities, and all those which might be the 
consequences of their advice; that the assembly 
having placed the public debts under the safe- 
guard of the honour and loyalty of the French 
nation, no power has a right even to pronounce 
the word bankruptcy; that they persisted in all 
their former decrees; and that these minutes 
should be presented to the king and the late min- 
istry, and committed to the press," 

From the twelfth to the fifteenth of July, Paris 
had been the unhappy scene of commotion, of 
terror, and of bloodshed. The revolution which 
occurred at this time, was professedly occasioned 
by the dismissal of M. decker. The fourteenth 
of July, although marked by assassinations on the 
part of the populace, was yet a day of grandeur: 
the movement was national; no faction, either 
foreign or domestic, would have been able to ex- 
cite such enthusiasm. All France participated 
in the feehngs which, on that day, caused the 
destruction of the bastile; and the emotion of a 
whole people is always connected with true and 
natural feeling. The most honourable names. 
La Fayette, Bailly, Lally, were elevated by pub- 
lic opinion;— the silence of a country, governed 
by a court, was exchanged for the sound of the 



294 MFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

spontaneous acclamations of all the citizens. The 
minds of the people were exalted; but, as yet, 
there was nothing but purity in their souls; and 
the conquerors had not yet had time to contract 
those haughty passions from which the strongest 
party in France is scarcely ever able to preserve 
itself* 

The enthusiasm and the fury of the people 
were so great, that the bastile, the citadel of Paris, 
with its seemingly impassable ditches, and its 
inaccessible towers and ramparts, covered with 
a powerful artillery, was in a short time carried 
by storm. Thus fell, in less than four hours, a 
castle, which had menaced France for nearly as 
many ages; and which an army, commanded by 
the great Conde, had formerly besieged, in vain, 
during three-and-twenty days. — The demolition 
of this famous fortress was the epocha from 
which the partisans of Fi^ench liberty dated their 
regeneration. La Fayette largely contributed to 
the fall of that celebrated engine of tyrannical 
poAver. liuring the laborious sessions of the na- 
tional assembly which succeeded the disgrace of 
M. Necker, it was thought that the age and in- 
firmities of the president, the venerable arch- 
bishop of Vienne, would scarcely allow him to 
exercise so difficult an office without the assis- 

* De Stael, French Revolution, vol. i, p. 239. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 295 

tance of a younger person; and the marquis de 
La Fayette was, therefore, unanimously nomina- 
ted vice-president. In this capacity he presided 
over the sittings of the assembly on the nights 
of the thirteenth and fourteenth of July. — All 
lovers of rational freedom, of all nations, rejoiced 
in the destruction of the bastile, if they condemn- 
ed the atrocities which, in a moment of frenzy, 
were committed by the populace, and which La 
Fayette did all he could to prevent. The key of 
the building was afterwards sent by him, as a 
present, and a pledge of his unshaken principles, 
to general Washington; and it is now preserved, 
in a glass case, in the hall of Mount Vernon. In 
testimony of his services on the occasion, the 
contractor who had undertaken to tear down the 
bastile, presented to him the first stone that was 
removed; and not long after, while La Fayette 
was conducting general PaoU over its ruins, he 
received, from the same hands, the last stone of 
its dungeons.* 

The appearance of the monarch in the assem- 
bly, on the fifteenth of July, his affectionate and 
eoncihatory address, his grief at the disturbances 
which had occurred in the capital, his disavowal 
of any meditated attack on the persons of the 

*>Iem. Hist. p. 263.— De Stael French Rev. i, p. S36.— Port 
Folio, vol. xix, p. 505.— -Hist. French Rev. i, p. 74. 



^90 I-IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

deputies, and his orders for the immediate remo- 
val of the troops from the vicinity of the metro- 
polis, produced the happiest results. An expres- 
sive silence first pervaded the assembly, which 
was soon succeeded by a burst of applause and 
acclamation. These feelings became general 
throughout Versailles, and the people flocked 
around the palace with shouts of loyalty and ex- 
clamations of joy. The assembly immediately 
appointed a deputation to convey the happy in- 
telligence which they had received to the me- 
tropolis. An interesting spectacle now presented 
itself to the citizens of Paris. The deputation, 
consisting of eighty-four of the most distinguish- 
ed members of the assembly, with La Fayette 
at their head, approached with the evidences of 
the sovereign's love towards the people, accom- 
panied by an immense crowd, who covered the 
road from Versailles to the capital, and loaded 
them with blessings and the most unequivocal 
proofs of affection. On their arrival at the Hotel- 
de-Ville, the marquis de La Fayette, and other 
principal members, addressed the people. From 
this place, they adjoured to the church of Notre 
Dame, where Te Beiim was sung in celebration 
of the happy return of peace* accompanied with 
liberty. In the evening the deputies returned to 
Versailles. 

* Hist, French Rev. i, 85, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 297 

A further distinction now awaited the disciple 
of Washington; and his services to the state, his 
disinterested patriotism, and his abihties, pointed 
him out to the citizens as the only man fit to be 
entrusted with the important commission of ge- 
neral, and commander-in-chief, of the national 
guard. The establishment of a garde nationale 
was a very great beiiefit derived from the con- 
stituent assembly; because no Mberty can exist in 
that country where arms are borne only by sol- 
diers, and not by citizens. The selection of a 
proper commander was at that time of the great- 
est importance: a vast army of citizen soldiers 
gave to La Fayette their united and unsolicited 
suffrages; and he was, on the sixteenth of July, 
elevated to a rank, worthy, as M. ilabaut remarks, 
of the friend of Washington, and which finally 
placed him at the head of a greater body of troops 
than had ever been commanded by one man 
since the days of Xerxes. To govern the enthu- 
siasm that animated this newly emancipated peo- 
ple, required a temperate conduct; a middle line 
of behaviour, partaking neither of extreme indul- 
gence nor extreme severity. La Fayette's dis- 
position and experience both concurred to make 
him, under these circumstances, at once a popu- 
lar and efficient leader with the soldiery; for, 
whenever he had to do with them alone, he could 
execute the laws and prevent excesses: but he 

p p 



298 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

was unable, at times, to restrain the populace, 
whose barbarity occasioned disgust and horrore 
He possessed, at the same time, the entire con- 
fidence of the Parisian guard, and the public 
esteem, which his high qualities demanded. The 
faculty of animating the courage, or rather the 
hearts, of his soldiers, was natural to him. His 
simple, popular, and attractive manners, joined 
with his youthful and animated exterior, to please 
the multitude. Better calculated to rule over the 
tumults of factions, than govern in the cabinet, 
he possessed all that was necessary for com- 
mencing and guiding a revolution; — the brilliant 
qualities of military activity, and undaunted cou- 
rage in public commotions.— -In the important 
operation of organising the national guard, the 
plan adopted by him was simple and excellent. 
He apportioned the city of Paris into six districts, 
and a commandant was created for each. The 
districts elected their military officers, and the 
right of electing a commander-in-chief was vested 
in the districts at large. 

On the seventeenth of July, the king, with a 
degree of courage and patriotism which does 
honour to his character, and in spite of the con- 
sternation of those who were apprehensive for 
his safety, and of others who were apprehensive 
of their own, resolved to visit Paris, in order by 
his presence to calm the disquietudes of the peo- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 299 

pie. The militia of Versailles composed his only 
guard until the procession arrived at the Seve, 
where they were relieved by the national guard 
of Paris, with La Fayette at their head. On their 
arrival at the Ii6tel-de-Ville, the king solemnly 
contirmed the election of the marquis de La 
F-dyette to the command of the guards. He re- 
ceived, from the hands of the mayor, the national 
or tri-coloured cockade, which had been instituted 
by Fayette; and when he showed himself to the 
people, decorated with this badge of patriotism; 
their joy could no longer be restrained: — the 
shouts of Five le roi! which had before been 
scarcely heard among the cries of Vive la nation! 
tilled the whole atmosphere, and resounded from 
one extremity of the city to the other.* 

The royal visit to Paris was the signal for the 
dispersion of the ministry. But of all who were 
connected with the court, none was more odious 
than M. Foulon, who had long been hated by the 
people, for his unfeeling tyranny, and his insatia- 
ble avarice. By rapacity and extortions, he had 
risen from a vei-y low situation in life, to the ac- 
quisition of immense riches; and he had boasted 
" that if ever it should be his good fortune to be 
minister, he would make the people live upon 
hay." He attempted to escape, but was pursued 

* Hist. French Rev. i, 8", 88. 



300 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

and detected by his own vassals, and on the 
twenty-second of July brought back to Paris, with 
a bundle of hay at his back, in allusion to the 
language which he had employed in expressing 
his contempt for the people. Judges were ap- 
pointed to try this miserable victim, but the im- 
patience of the multitude could ill brook the 
forms of justice; he was forced from the guards; 
the cord of a lantern supplied the instrument of 
execution; his body was dragged through the 
kennels; and his head, with the mouth full of hay, 
was carried through the streets, to the eternal 
disgrace of the capital. — ^M. Berthier, who had 
married the daughter of M. Foulon, was impli- 
cated in the fate of his father-in-law. Unhappily 
for him, he arrived in Paris the very evening on 
which the mob had imbrued their hands in the 
blood of his relation: his death was, therefore, 
inevitable. The head of the unfortunate Foulon 
was thrust into his carriage, and he was compell- 
ed to salute it« He was at length dragged to the 
fatal lamp-iron, where a cord was already pre- 
pared for him; but despair inspired him with 
courage, and snatching a bayonet out of the hands 
of one of his guards, he attempted to defend 
himself, if not from death, at least from ignomi- 
ny,— and fell, pierced with innumerable wounds. 
His head was also cut off, mid carried about with 
that of M. Foulon. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 301 

The murder of these two magistrates has form- 
ed the basis of an accusation against La Fayette 
as ungenerous, as it is false and unjust. He is 
said not only to have connived at, but partici- 
pated in, the atrocities committed on that occa- 
sion; not only to have purposely sent the unfor- 
tunate victims to prison under a feeble escort, 
and given orders to that guard " to do no violence 
to the people^"" but to have been actually one of 
the most sanguinary personal actors in their death 
and mutilation. " Such," says Playfair, " was 
the commencement of the reign of liberty and 
justice; such was the beginning of the adminis- 
tration of M. Bailly as mayor, and M. de La Fay- 
ette as commander; with such a people, such a 
mayor, and such a commander, it was not to be 
wondered if the human cliaracter grew worse, 
and if peaceable men began to wish to be out of 
the kingdom."* If La Fayette, observes the 
same writer, sanctified insurrection, the people 
did it every justice in the execution.—" Never, 
never," said Mr. Windham, in the house of com- 
mons, " shall be forgotten his gross and criminal 
conduct in July, 1789. What figure did he make 
at the head of the national guards, when he al- 
lowed Berthier to be torn in pieces by the mob, 
after he had thrown himself under his protection? 

* Hist. Jacob, vol. i, 176. 



302 MFE OF LA FAYE TTEe 

It might be said that he acted under the influence 
of terror: — but why did he yield to such a feeling? 
He could not have had a more glorious death 
than if he had fallen on that day."— On the seven- 
teenth of March, 1794, when general Fitzpatrick 
submitted to the house of commons, a motion in 
favour of La Fayette, then a prisoner in the 
dungeons of Olmutz, Mr. Burke remarked that 
" the present was the most extraordinary appli- 
cation he had ever heard of: it was made for the 
author of so many horrors, which seemed to be 
a summary of all that had ever before taken 
place in the worldl—Mtera editio multo brevior 
et emendatior. And of all these horrors," he con- 
tinued, " there was no circumstance of barbarity, 
(except the murder of the king and queen,) more 
atrocious than the massacre of Foulon." This 
member had even the effrontery to repeat the 
mad expressions of the Abbe Foulon, a son of the 
murdered magistrate, — " I'll be revenged of La 
Fayette; it was he that had my father murdered; 
it was he who tore out and devoured his heart!'' — 
-' I would not," concluded the consistent states- 
man, " debauch my humanity in supporting an 
application like the present, for such a horrid 
ruffian.''— OtliQY members supported the ground- 
less assertions of their leaders. One of them, (Mr. 
Jenkinson,) affirmed that he was in Paris at the 
time, when it was generally acknowledged that 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTEo 30S 

he could, if he pleased, have prevented many of 
the circumstances so much reprobated; but he 
was unfortunately followed by Mr. Stanley, who 
observed, that he also was in Paris at the time, 
and must, in justice to the unfortunate La Fay- 
ette, declare, that he not only did every thing in 
his power to prevent the circumstances that had 
happened, but risked also his own personal 
safety.* 

Now, it is abundantly testified, that La Fayette 
en leavoured, in vain, to rescue the unfortunate 
Foulon and Berthier from the murderous grasp 
of the populace. But his authority, his entreaties, 
and his tears, were disregarded; and the laws of 
the new government, as yet too feeble to restrain 
these atrocities, were unhappily often violated in 
his presence, by the licentious inhabitants of the 
suburbs. In the case of Berthier, it was in vain 
that M. Bailly, the mayor, opposed his utmost 
eloquence to the fury of the multitude; in vain 
the commander-in-chief, La Fayette, prostrated 
himself on his knees to entreat that the popular 
cause should no more be defiled with blood. 
^'Numerous as the escort'' of the unfortunate man 
was, they were soon dispersed, and he was put 
to death.f A monster of inhumanity, a dragoon, 

« Pari. Chron. ix, 663, 66r: xvi, 406. 

tHist. French Rev. 2 vols, in one. Philadelphia, 1794, vol, i, p, 
90. 



304 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

plunged his hand into his reeking entrails^ tore 
out his heart, fixed it on the point of his cutlass, 
and carried it about as a trophy. His comrades 
were so disgusted with his barbarity, that they 
determined to fight him successively, till by his 
death they had removed the dishonour which 
it fixed upon their corps: he fought, and was 
killed the same evening. — -This, doubtless, was 
the ground- work of the fable, taken by Mr. Burke 
fi:-om the lips of a mad Abbe. 

It was no crime in M. de La Fayette to be 
unable to restrain the fury of ft-^Parisian mob. It 
was a violent tumult which no exertion could 
avert. Although his authority sometimes proved 
inadequate, he let no opportunity pass without 
exerting himself in favour of good order and 
submission to the law, even at the hazard of his 
own existence.— But it is necessary, in vindi- 
cating the character of La Fayette, to afford a 
true statement of Foulon's case, which the re- 
cords of the national assembly enable us to do.— 
When M. Foulon was brought before the assem- 
bly, he was accompanied by the mob, who were 
clamorous for revenge. Several of the mem- 
bers offered, in vain, to deliver themselves up as 
hostages, and be personally responsible, for M, 
Foulon; and when all means of restraining the 
impatience and fury of the multitude had failed, 
loud shouts and acclamations announced the ar- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 305 

rival of M. de La Fayette. On his entrance, he 
placed himself by the side of the president, and 
the late tumult was succeeded by the most pro- 
found silence. He immediately addressed the 
multitude, and it would be difficult to describe 
the power of his discourse, mingled as it was, 
with consummate skill, and the most simple and 
energetic traits of eloquence. " I am known to 
you all," said he; " you have appointed me your 
commander; a station which while it confers 
honour, imposes upon me the duty of speaking 
to you with that liberty and candour which form 
the basis of my character. You wish, without a 
trial, to put to death the man who is before you: 
such an act of injustice would dishonour you; — 
it would disgrace me — and, were I weak enough 
to permit it, it would blast all the efforts which 
I have made in favour of liberty.— I will not per- 
mit it. But I am far from pretending to save 
him, if he be guilty: I only desire that the orders 
of the assembly should be carried into execution, 
and that this man be conducted to prison, to be 
judged by a legal tribunal. 1 wish the law to be 
respected;— law, without which there can be no 
liberty; — law, without whose aid I would never 
have contributed to the revolution of the new 
world, and without which 1 will not contribute to 
the revolution which is preparing here, y^ hat I 
advance in favour of the forms of law, ought not 

Q q 



306 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

to be interpreted in favour of M. Foiilon. I am 
free from suspicion as it regards him; and per- 
haps the manner in which, on several occasions. 
I have expressed myself with relation to his con- 
duct, would alone deprive me of the right of 
judging. But the greater the presumption of his 
guilt is, the more important is it that the usual 
formalities should be observed in his case; so as 
to render his punishment more striking, and, by 
legal examinations, to discover his accomplices. 
I, therefore, command that he be conducted to 
the prison of L'Abbaye St. Germain." 

M. de La Fayette took this popular ground, in 
urging the detention of the criminal, as the only 
probable means of rescuing him from the power 
of the mob. His discourse made a great and 
favourable impression on those who were within 
the hearing of his voice; and they assented, by 
their tokens of applause, to his being conducted 
to prison. But this sentiment did not extend to 
those whose furious cries for vengeance sounded 
from the extremity of the hall. The unhappy 
Foulon, whether in testimony of his innocence, 
or by a mechanical movement, clapped his hands 
in token of approbation, at the proposal of im- 
prisonment. A general exclamation was imme- 
diately raised,—" They are conniving at his guilt; 
they wish to save him." — The victim attempted 
to speak, but the following words only could be 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. SOT 

distinguished: — " Respectable assembly! Just and 
generous people! — I am in the midst ofmyfellotv- 
cifizenS'-r-I fear nothing^ — These words pro- 
duced an effect entirely different from what might 
have been expected. The frenzy of the people 
redoubled its fury: an individual cried out, "Why 
should you judge a man who has been condemn- 
ed for thirty years?" — Three different times did 
La Fayette harangue the people, and each time 
his discourse produced a favourable effect. It is 
impossible now to know what the result would 
have been, when shouts more terrible than had 
yet been heard, arose from the square of the 
H6tel-de-Ville. At the same moment, a number 
of voices from the extremity of the hall, ex- 
claimed, that the populace from the Palais-Royal, 
and the faubourg St. Antoine, had arrived to car- 
ry off the prisoner. The most horrible cries 
now resounded through the passages of the 
H6tel-de-Ville: a fresh mob pressed against that 
which already filled the hall; the whole mass 
moved together, and rushed impetuously towards 
the chair in which Foulon was seated, without 
regarding the intercessions of La Fayette, who 
continued, in a loud voice, to order him to be 
conducted to prison. — But the miserable man was 
already in the hands of the populace, who con- 
ducted him uninjured from the hall: — a few mi- 
nutes after, it was announced that the mob had 



308 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

hungjiim to a lamp-iron in front of the H6tel-de- 
Ville.* 

Is it just to charge La Fayette with this atro- 
cious act, committed by an infuriated mob, in the 
very presence of the whole national assembly? — 
Certainly not; — and history owes to him this 
justice, that after the fourteenth of July, when 
the bastile was destroyed, these two murders 
were the only ones, during his command, in 
which pubhc rage could not be suppressed. 
Many others were personally prevented by him, 
and in this benevolent object he frequently ex- 
posed himself to great danger; for the people 
could not perceive why that which was commit- 
ted on the fourteenth should not always be per- 
mitted; and they considered all those as enemies 
who opposed their will. But La Fayette was 
too brave, too humane, too noble, to think of 
danger in the performance of his duty. For ex- 
ample, an instance of his generous intrepidity 
occurred on the nineteenth of May, 1790, On 
that day an unfortunate man was charged with 
stealing a sack of oats. Some soldiers of the 
national guard took him immediately under their 
protection, and were conveying him as a prisoner 
to the Chatelet; but the populace, wishing to in- 



*Mem, Historiq. p. 184-9 Proces-verbal ties Seances et De- 
liberations de I'Assemb. Nat. &c. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 309 

flict summary justice, tore him from the soldiers, 
and were in the act of beating him to death with 
their clubs, when the marquis de La Fayette hap- 
pened to pass by the horrible scene. He plunged 
instantly into the thickest of the mob, and in de- 
spite of their outcries and menaces, seized the 
person who had begun the tumult, and conducted 
him with his own hands to the Chatelet. He next 
delivered the unfortunate man from the mob; 
and, exhorting them to disperse, and conduct 
themselves like orderly citizens, had the happi- 
ness to see the tumult entirely suppressed, and 
the people return to their houses, full of the 
praises of the man who had so intrepidly rescued 
them from their own frenzy, and prevented their 
contaminating themselves with human blood.* 2 
In times of peace, we ought to estimate pub- 
lic men according to the good which they do; but 
in revolutionary storms, we ought also to consider 
the evil which they prevent: and certainly, at that 
period. La Fayette prevented a great part, we 
may almost say all, of the evil that was not com- 
mitted. Moreover, the massacres of Foulon and 
Berthier occurred but a few days after his ap- 
pointment to the head of the guards, and before 
he had, or could have, introduced a proper sys- 

* Hist. French Rev. vol. i, p. ISr.— Mem. Hist. p. 265, Pref. 
p. xiv. 



310 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

tern of discipline.— His indignation and sorrow 
were extreme, at the commission of acts wliich 
sullied the first moments of his command. Fill- 
ed with horror and disgust, and exasperated by 
this contempt of all authority, he determined at 
once to resign his office of commander-in-chief; 
and this determination he immediately conveyed, 
in the following letter, to M. Bailly, mayor of the 
city of Paris: 

Sir, 

Summoned by the confidence of its citizens 
to the military command of the capital, I have 
uniformly declared, that in the actual state of 
affairs, it was necessary, to be useful, that confi- 
dence should be full and universal. I have steadi- 
ly declared to the people, that, although devoted 
to their interest to my last breath, yet I was in- 
capable of purchasing their favour by unjustly 
yielding to their wishes. You are aware, sir, that 
one of the individuals who perished yesterday 
was placed under a guard, and that the other was 
under the escort of our troops, both being sen- 
tenced by the civil power to undergo a regular 
trial. Such were the proper means to satisfy 
justice, to discover their accomplices, and to fulfil 
the solemn engagements of every citizen towards 
the national assembly and the king. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 311 

The people would not hearken to my advice; 
and the moment when the confidence which they 
promised, and reposed in me, is lost, it becomes 
my duty, as I have before stated, to abandon a 
post in which I can be no longer useful. 

I am, with respect, ^c. ^c. 

La Fayette. 

On the receipt of this intelligence, universal 
consternation reigned in the assembly. The 
members rose en masse, and with M. Moreau de 
Saint-Mery at their head, proceeded in a body to 
M. de La Fayette. With a disorder which their 
highly excited feelings produced and justified, 
they surrounded him on all sides, exclaiming with 
one voice, that the safety of the city depended 
on his preserving the command. — La Fayette 
replied, that the public good itself appeared to 
demand his retirement; that the bloody and un- 
lawful acts of the preceding day, and his total 
incompetency to prevent them, had too plainly 
convinced him that he was not the object of uni- 
versal confidence; that he did not possess that 
authority which could alone prevent or depress 
such tumults, and which confidence alone could 
give; that the flattering and affecting conduct of 
the electors was well calculated to shake his re- 
solution; and that he would attend at the assem- 
bly, to concert upon the measures best adapted 



S12 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

to the existing state of affairs, and to the promo- 
tion of the public good. — He at length yielded 
to the solicitations of his fellow-citizens, and re- 
sumed the command, hoping that he might be 
the means, (as he assuredly was,) of preventing 
still more dreadful disorders.* Indeed, it was 
not long before this hope was realized. On the 
fifth of August, M. de La Salle, acting under the 
orders of La Fayette, was sought for, and threat- 
ened with instant death, by a mob of forty thou- 
sand ruffians, from whom he had the good for- 
tune to escape. They were awaiting his return 
from the country at the H6tel-de-Ville, and a 
miscreant had mounted the lamp-post with a new 
rope in his hand, where he remained, while a 
crew of banditti broke into the Hotel-de-VillCj 
and ascended even into the clock, in quest of the 
marquis de Salle. The coolness and serenity of 
the marquis de La Fayette appeared to increase 
with the tumult and danger. In the mean time, 
he gave secret orders, and arranged every thing 
for the public safety, by the agency of a faithful 
officer. At length, when he was satisfied that 
every thing was right, he suddenly arose, and 
addressing himself to the committee who had sat 
with him the whole evening, he observed, " you 

* Mem. Hist. p. 194-7.~-Hist. French Rev. p. 93.--Ann. Reg. 
vol. xxxi, p. 255 — Not. Biog, p. 8. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 313 

are fatigued, gentlemen, and I also am fatigued: — 
let us retire;— the Greve is completely free, and 
I give you my word that Paris was never in a 
more perfect state of tranquillity." — On looking 
from the windows, nothing was to be seen of the 
mob who had so lately filled the square; it was 
entirely occupied by soldiers of the national 
guard, drawn up in most excellent order, who 
had been gradually introduced by the marquis, 
and by this means, without tumult or trouble, ex- 
pelled their opponents.* 

On the eighth of September, 1789, La Fayette 
proposed to the meeting of the commune of 
Paris, to send a deputation to the national assem- 
bly, then sitting at Versailles, to demand an im- 
mediate reform of the criminal jurisprudence, 
as far, at least, as respected its most prominent 
abuses; to require that the accused should have 
the assistance of counsel; that the proceedings 
of the examination should be public; that the 
witnesses should be publicly confronted with the 
accused; and that the documents employed 
against him should be freely communicated. — 
Even this step, although urged by all tlie influence 
of La Fayette, was not taken without considerable 
hesitation, so little was public opinion formed, at 
that time, on this important point. It was, how- 

*Hist. French Rev. i, p. 116. 
R r 



314 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ever, with these advantages that the baron de 
Bezensal and M. de Favras met their trial; and 
ah'eady were the benefits of the change duly ap- 
preciated. The fact that, amid all the tumults 
and jealousies of a revolution, the only person 
put to death for political offences from this period to 
the tenth of August, 1792, that is to say, before the 
proscription of the author of the fact, will stand 
as an imperishable monument to the memory of 
La Fayette. — x\t that time the use of torture still 
subsisted: the king had indeed abohshed only the 
rack before trial; but punishments, such as strain- 
ing on the wheel, and torments similar to those 
which, during three days, were inflicted on Da- 
iiiiens, were, in certain cases, still admitted. Urg- 
ed by the influence of La Fayette and his party, 
the constituent assembly abolished even the name 
of these j udicial barbarities. M. de La Fayette, 
from the time that he was placed at the head of 
the armed force of Paris, declared to the magis- 
trates of that city, that he could not take upon 
himself to arrest any one, unless the accused 
were to be provided with counsel, a copy of the 
charge, the power of confronting witnesses, and 
publicity given to the whole procedure. And it 
was in consequence of this demand, equally 
liberal and rare on the part of a military man, 
that the magistrates asked and obtained from the 
assembly, that those precious securities should 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 315 

be in force, till the establishment of juries should 
prevent all anxiety about the equity of decisions.* 
The fifth and sixth of October, 1789, were two 
of the most memorable days of the revolution, 
when the populace marching from Paris to Ver- 
sailles, compelled the king and royal family to 
remove to the capital. Nor is the epocha less 
important in the life of La Fayette, because, if 
the accusations which have been heaped upon 
him relative to his conduct during that insurrec- 
tion, were not susceptible of entire refutation, he 
would indeed appear on the page of history, as 
the " horrid ruffian" which Mr. Burke pretended 
to consider him. — An unfounded report that the 
king was about to remove to Metz; — his refusal 
fully to sanction the proceedings of the assembly 
which had overturned the feudal system; — an ill- 
advised entertainment given in the castle of Ver- 
sailles, denounced by Petion under the name of 
a plot; — and particularly and more immediately, 
the scarcity of bread in the metropolis; — were 
the principal causes which produced the sangui- 
nary and disgraceful scenes of the fifth and sixth 
of October. The commotion began among the 
women, and the progress of discontent was ra- 
pid and frightful. Hundreds of the most licen- 
tious and daring of the rabble, chiefly women, 

* Lady Morgan's France, Appendix, i, p. xiii. — De Stael's Con- 
sid. vol. i, ch. iv, p. 275, 6. 



316 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

collected from the markets and public halls, arm- 
ed with staves, pikes, and every weapon that their 
blind fury could supply, poured from their dark 
and secret lurking places. They surrounded the 
H6tel-de-Vilie with fearful cries, forced open the 
doors, and possessed themselves of the arms. 
Their numbers were soon swelled to several 
thousands, by successive and motley groups of 
both sexes, furnished with fusils and pistols, 
swords and poniards, lances and hatchets, and 
dragging two pieces of cannon. At length they 
took the road to Versailles, compelling all whom 
they met to enlist under their banners. Terror 
and dismay preceded their van; and the frantic 
crowd, intoxicated with rage and Kquor, precipita- 
ted themselves on Versailles. Presenting them- 
selves with loud cries and imprecations at the 
doors of the assembly, they were permitted to en- 
ter, and the benches were instantly occupied by a 
crowd of women, covered with dust and sweat, 
deaf to reason, inflamed with liquor, and insatiate 
of blood. With menacing gestures and tumultuous 
cries, they demanded bread for themselves, and 
for Paris, and the assembly, dismayed by the im- 
perious voice of the insurgents, sought only to 
avert destruction by the most degrading compli- 
ances.— A deputation, consisting of the president, 
fifteen deputies, and twelve women of the dregs 
of Paris, entered into the royal presence, and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 317 

described the distress of the capital. The mo- 
narch answered in the language of sensibility, 
and with every assurance of prompt and effectual 
succour. The report of the female deputies was 
far from satisfying their impatient companions, 
and the ferocious multitude directed their disor- 
derly steps towards the castle, where the garde- 
du-corps, from the defection of the militia of 
Versailles and the regiment of Flanders, beheld 
themselves alone, and without resource, exposed 
to the headlong torrent. The hostile fury of the 
mob soon burst upon them, and many of them 
were severely wounded. — About ten o'clock at 
night. La Fayette arrived, at the head of the 
national guards of Paris, amounting to eighteen 
thousand men. He first presented himself to 
the national assembly, and assured the president 
both of his own pacific intentions^ and of those 
of his followers. He then passed to the royal 
presence, where he repeated the same assuran- 
ces, and after making the necessary arrangements, 
he again returned to the castle, and communicated 
to the king the welcome tidings of public tran- 
quillity. It was now about two o'clock in the 
morning, and his majesty, oppressed by fatigue, 
prepared to retire to rest. The marquis, im- 
pressed by the deceitful quiet that prevailed, then 
hastened to the national assembly, and assuring 
them of his reliance on the fidelity of his army, 



a 18 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

he retired for the puipose of procuring the re- 
pose so much needed after the exertions which 
he had made. — But sleep seemed to have recruit- 
ed the strength without allaying the rage of the 
insurgents. About six o'clock in the morning, 
the frantic crowd rushed, with discordant cries 
and sanguinary menaces, on the hotel of the 
gardes-du-corps. The doors were forced; fifteen 
of the guards were made prisoners by the mul- 
titude; and the. rest fled to the palace, eagerly 
pursued by their blood-thirsty enemies. The 
courts of the royal residence were filled with 
the banditti, and two of the body guards were 
murdered near the iron-railing: a third was slaugh- 
tered on the marble stair-case; and the resistance 
made by the household troops being overcome, 
the insurgents rushed forward to the apartments 
of the queen, ^o escaped almost naked through 
a private passage. On the first intelligence of 
these events, La Fayette hastened to the scene 
w'ith the rapidity of lightning; the militia of Paris 
rallied at the well-known voice of their comman- 
der; they flew to his support; and their united 
efforts wrested from the populace several of the 
gardes-du-corps, whose fate had been deferred to 
render it more lingering and cruel. He also in- 
troduced into the castle a considerable body of 
the national troops, and by his well-timed and 
noble exertions, preserved the lives of the royal 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 319 

family, and restored peace to the palace. By his 
advice, the king consented to the demand of the 
multitude for his removal to Paris, and appeared 
with the queen, in an open balcony, to signify 
his acquiescence. On the same day, the royal 
family departed from Versailles for Paris, accom- 
panied by a crowd of frantic women, still stag- 
gering under the debauch of the preceding night, 
and still stained with the blood which they had 
wantonly shed. These were surrounded by a 
host of men, the refuse of a vast and luxurious 
capital, two of which, with their arms naked and 
bloody, displayed aloft on their pikes, the heads 
of two of the gardes-du-corps, whom they had in- 
humanly massacred. The royal family followed, 
continually exposed to the insults of a licentious 
rabble, who incessantly reproached them as the 
authors of that scarcity which the hand of Provi- 
dence had inflicted.* 

The whole conduct of La Fayette on this me- 
morable occasion, both at Paris and at Versailles, 
has been employed by his enemies, or, what is 
the same thing, by the enemies of free princi- 
ples, to vitiate his character; and it becomes our 

duty to defend it It is said that he did not adopt 

proper precautions in Paris to allay the ferment; 
and that, " whatever were his motives," he con- 
tented himself with simply haranguing the sol- 

* Hist. France, 3 vols. vol. iii, p. 468 — 489, 



320 Ll¥K OF LA FAYETTE. 

diery, and recommending patience and forbear- 
ance, when they demanded to be led to Versailles. 
" The national guards," says a late writer, " who 
had lately chosen La Fayette for their comman- 
der, assembled; and insisted upon being led to 
Versailles, to fetch the king to the capital. La 
Fayette, unprepared for this demand, hesitated; 
but the municipal council ordered him to march. 
He obeyed. Never was there such conduct as 
this, on the part of a man who professed him- 
self an apostle of honest liberty. He consulted 
a body that had no legal authority in the state; 
and, by their orders, he led, against his sovereign, 
a band of disorganised troops, who had openly 
declared their intention of making him their cap- 
tive. It may be said that there was danger in 
disobedience. But had not M. La Fayette learned 
in America that danger is honourable? and did he 
march with his soldiers, as their prisoner, or 
their chief? — as the minion, or the slave, of fac- 
tion?"* '-La Fayette," says Mr. Playfair, '' went 
literally guarded as a prisoner by his own troops, 
and apparently with the greatest reluctance. Two 
American gentlemen, friends of Fayette, met this 
cavalcade: he seemed to them to be in a state of 
great consternation, and having stopped his horse 
only an instant as they passed by, one of the na- 
tional soldiers took him by his bridle instantly, 

* Quart. Review, toI. xxviii, p. 289, for 1823. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, QQl 

and, with an oath, forced him to advanee."*— 
But if the conduct of La Fayette, according to 
his cakimniators, was factious and cowardly in 
Paris, at that time, it was afterwards savage and 
ferocious: and, as the projector of, and accom- 
plice in, the insurrection, he well deserves the 
execrations of every honest man. — It has been 
asserted, where La Fayette's services to the royal 
family could not be denied, that the principle on 
which those services were performed, was self, 
and his own particular aggrandisement; that eve- 
ry other consideration was secondary in his mind; 
and that he had ambition enough to wish, and to 
endeavour, to be the first man in the kingdom, and 
resolution enough to stick at nothing to procure 
him this pre-eminence;— affecting the maxim *of 
a tyrant borrowed from a poet, " that if wrong 
and robbery were excusable, it was on the score 
of empire." "The proof of these charges," 
says the same writer, " is drawn chiefly from the 
general tenor of La Fayette's conduct; and from 
a design which he had planned of seizing the 
government, on the fifth and sixth of October, 
1789, with the aid of monsieur D'Orleans, who, 
as the tool of La Fayette, it was intended should 
have murdered the royal family at Versailles, by 
his myrmidons, and then be put to death in his 
turn by the commander-in-chief at the head of 

* Playf. Hist, Jacob, i, p, 203, and Note. 
S S 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the national guards, who were to revenge the 
king's murder. The field would then have been 
open for La Fayette, to have proclaimed himself 
protector. Two things are, it is said, certain, 
that the duke of Orleans was at Versailles on the 
fifth, in disguise, and that La Fayette, after hav- 
ing promised to protect the king, retired to a 
corner incognito, on a pretext of writing to the 
national assembly."* This undoubtedly was a 
very magnificent, very ambitious, and very bloody 
plan on the part of general La Fayette; and it 
actually wants no other quality but truth, to make 
it very decisive: but otlier writers will not even 
allow him the credit of being able to conceive it. 
" The duke of Orleans," say the quarterly re- 
viewers, " was unquestionably the principal mo- 
ver, (of the insurrection;) but how far another 
agent, La Fayette, was concerned in it, though 
none can doubt the wicked part he played, is 
more difficult to determine. That the duke of 
Orleans aspired at being appointed lieutenant- 
general of the kingdom, and eventually at the 
crown, is what cannot now be doubted." " Of a 
different character was La Fayette, both in dispo- 
sition and intention. Tliis nobleman, descended 
from an ancient family of Auvergne, exhibited 
a lamentable disproportion between his faculties 
and his ambition. AH the errors of Ms life are 

* Lett, from Paris in 1792, vol. ii, 292-3. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. $2B 

derived from an overrated apprehension of his 
own abilities. With unbounded desires and con- 
tracted views; an imagination always exaggerated, 
yet always barren; a judgment always unsound^ 
yet always confident; he thought that great ends 
could be attained by petty means, and that politi- 
cal perfection could be accomplished by such 
agents as himself. Of all the men of the revo- 
lution, the duke of Orleans not excepted, he pos- 
sessed the least understanding; and, with the 
exception of Necker perhaps, he attributed to 
himself the greatest talents. The same defect 
was in his heart, as in his mind, and the same 
misconception of its powers; for, with the ut~ 
most chiMiness of soul, he conceived himself to 
be enthusiastic, and almost imagined that he felt. 
In the war for American independence, he had 
shown himself the knight-errant of repubhcan- 
ism; and the necessity which he thought incum- 
bent upon him, to maintain the reputation he had 
acquired there, imposed upon him duties which 
he had not the faculty to support, lie had been 
the friend of Washington; indeed the first foreign 
friend which the cause of hberty had given him. 
He had reaped some reputation, and the renown 
of his exploits, which certainly did not surpass 
the average of those performed by any gallant 
officer, outstripping his return to France, unfor- 
tunately represented him as a hero. But his 



324 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

fame was too much for him to sustain; and happy 
had it been if he had prudently submitted to sink 
under it. Rather than this, however, he chose 
the fatal honour of introducing into a nation long 
corrupted, long monarchical, long luxurious, the 
notions he had imbibed, with little comprehen- 
sion, among a people newly created, agricultural, 
laborious, and thinly dispersed over a wide terri- 
tory. In America, he might still have been re- 
spected as the pupil of a great and good man. 
In Europe, he appeared only as the awkward 
imitator of a patriotism which he did not under- 
stand. The justness of his political views may 
be appreciated by the perseverance with which 
he endeavoured to introduce Pennsylvanian sim- 
plicity under the arcades of the Palais-Royal. 
He was most happily named by Mirabeau, a 
Grandison-Cromwell. La Fayette could never 
have aspired to the crown—neither would he 
have consented to assist the duke of Orleans in 
Ms project of usurpation. Visions of popularity 
still more abstract than those of Necker, torment- 
ed him; and he became a steady opponent of the 
court, without enrolling himself under the same 
banners with Mirabeau and Sieyes. Hence it was 
that, although the Orleanists, as well as La Fay- 
ette, were great agents on these days, their mo- 
tives were unlike; and while both tended to one 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

object, the destruction of the power of the so- 
vereign, both laboured with different views and 
hopes."* — To the truth of this tirade of abuse, 
we oppose the whole life and character of La 
Fayette, drawn as it is, from authentic and credit 
table sources. Bare assertions from such a quar- 
ter, do not particularly demand refutation; but 
we expose their fallacy the more willingly, as it 
affords the opportunity of placing new laurels in 
the chaplet of his fame — To proceed with our 
extracts: a historian remarks that " from the re- 
putation he had hitherto enjoyed, vigilance and 
activity were at least to be expected; and from 
the military power vested in his hands, and from 
the confidence which had been fondly attached 
to his conduct, he alone was capable of restrain- 
ing the blind fury of the populace. Yet," he 
continues, " whether from contempt or design, 
he seemed to persevere in supine indifference: 
we have already observed with what inattention 
he received the address of the grenadiers; and 
though their disposition promised consequences 
the most fatal, yet no precautions were taken, no 
orders given, no posts occupied. It appeared 
as if the marquis was willing to enhance the 
merit of his services, and to suffer Versailles to 
be reduced to the last extremity before he ap= 

* Quart, Rev. vol. xxviii, p. 285-7. 



S26 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

peared to its relief."*— Mr. Windham, (then 
secretary at war,) observed, in the British parlia*- 
ment, that La Fayette's conduct on the memora- 
ble fifth and sixth of October, in which there was 
clear and evident matter of condemnation, with 
the fate that subsequently attended him, ought to 
be an eternal lesson to all those who, actuated by 
similar motives of guilty ambition, would bring 
ruin on their country. " When at the head of the 
national guards," said he, " did he lead them as 
was his duty, to the relief of his king? If he had 
not done so, what excuse could be offered for 
him? Would it be said that he acted under the 
impression of terror for himself? — If so, would 
they insist upon that as an excuse? or would they 
say, that he ought not to have risked his life? A 
soldier, honoured with such rank and favour, 
commanding the guards, could not have fallen in 
a nobler cause. He ought, even though certain 
of death, to have encountered it in discharge of 
his duty, and expiated, in some sort, the great 
calamities his ambition had occasioned. His own 
excuse was, that he had no command over the 
guards; but what could be said of a man, who, 
having declared that he had no command over 
troops, continued nevertheless along with them. 
He should have retired, and in repentance en- 
deavoured to atone for the ruins he had made. 

* Hist. France, 3 vols. vol. iii. 480-L 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. B21 

But no: — it was well understood what part he 
played, and what end he had in view."* 

The proceedings of the marquis at Versailles, 
his inattention to the safety of the royal family, 
and his shameful neglect of duty, also afford 
abundant food for the palates of the malevolent. 
" After having amused the king," said Windham. 
" with a promise that there was no danger, which 
threw him off his guard; after the palace had 
been forcer^, and the royal family in danger; — he 
appeared. Lulled into security by his promises^ 
the king and queen had gone to rest; the mob 
burst so suddenly into the palace, that her majes- 
ty was obliged to escape undressed. La Fayette 
said, that no farther violence would be offered; 
but when called for, was not in town. For how 
much mischief was he not answerable?" Mr. 
TV indham " would not say, for he did not believe 
it, that La Fayette wished entirely to destroy the 
king, or to erect a republic in the place of the 
monarchy, but that he wished to lower the king 
to a state of dependence on himself, and to be, 
like Trinculo in the Tempest, vice-roy over 
him."t " On the first intelligence of these dis- 
astrous events," (the attack of the palace,) says 
a prejudiced writer, " the marquis de La Fayette 
quitted his bed, and endeavoured to atone by his 

* Pari. Cliron. -vol. xvi, p. 406, December 16, 1796. 
-* Pari. Chron. vol. xvi, p. 407, 



B2S LIFE OF LA FAYETTE= 

activity, for his former credulity and negligence; 
his splendid promises of security were now con- 
verted into reproaches, and shame succeeded to 
misplaced confidence. As he pressed with hasty 
steps towards the castle, he beheld on every side 
the fatal effects of his own imprudence."*— 
•' The first step of La Fayette, on arriving at 
Versailles," according to the Quarterly Review, 
whose principles are properly appreciated in this 
country, " was to tranquillize the assembly, on 
the presence of the national guards, since he was 
at their head; and afterwards to offer his services 
to the king, to whom he said, ' Sire, votre ma- 
jeste n'a pas de plus fidele serviteur que moi?' 
(Sire, your majesty does not possess a more 
faithful servant than myself) These exploits 
achieved, the hero of French liberty diffused the 
like tranquillity among meaner mortals; and hke 
Morpheus, shook his poppies over all he saw. 
After sending the king and royal family to sleep, 
he sent the vigilant Mounier to sleep, together 
with the whole national assembly, and every man 
who should have waked; and then retired to rest 
himself. Was this treachery? Was it imbecility, 
in the man who had bivouacked with Washing- 
ton? And did he suppose that the duke of Or- 
leans, with his sixty thousand mad and drunken 
partizans^ was sleeping by his side?- — Be that as 

■^'Hist France, S vols, vol iiij p. 486- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 329 

it may, the assault began just two hours after 
this faithful and intrepid commander of the na- 
tional guard had distributed his opiate. One of 
the gates of the castle had been unaccountably 
left open. A small portion of the mob introduced 
themselves, through this passage, to the staircase 
leading to the queen's apartments; and shortly 
afterwards, the attack became general."* Again; 
" as soon as the king learned that the wish of his 
subjects was that lue should go to Paris, he re- 
solved upon complying. The king announced 
his compliance from the balcony; and the queen 
herself confirmed it, by giving her hand publicly 
to La Fayette, who, after allowing sufficient lei- 
sure for the perpetration of much evil, had, some 
time before, fortunately started from his ominous 
repose."! 

Those charges, which are worthy of observa- 
tion, may be arranged under three general heads. 
First, the conduct of La Fayette in Paris, pre- 
vious to the march of the militia to Versailles; 
secondly, his neglect of duty, and criminal su- 
pineness at Versailles; and lastly, his agency in 
planning and fomenting the insuiTcction, with the 
duke of Orleans and others. We believe that 
we are able, considering the limits to which we 
are now restricted, to produce a refutation of all 
these charges, so true and triumphant, as to baf- 

* Quart. Rev. 1823, vol. xxvi, p. 289. t Ibid. p. 290. 

T t 



SSO LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

fle even the crafty sophistry of the Quarterly 
Review. 

In the first place, the conduct of La Fayette 
in Paris was precisely that which every man of 
principle, placed in his situation, would have 
adopted. Could his voice alone restrain the 
simultaneous movement of the whole population 
of the city? Could he singly have opposed a 
famished and ferocious mob, much less the whole 
militia of Paris, of whom he was, indeed, the 
commander, but who unanimously resolved, with 
or without a leader, to proceed to Versailles? 
Without a single soldier of the regular army at 
his command, was he alone to stem a torrent, 
which the royal, and constituted, authorities, to- 
gether, were unable to resist? Would it have 
benefitted his own fame, or his country, if he had 
madly rushed on ruin, and sacrificed his life, at a 
moment when its preservation was of the last 
importance to the very existence of the royal 
family? — These are questions which, when truly 
answered, serve to reflect additional honours on 
the character of Fayette; and in so doing, we do 
not rest on mere assertions, but on the testimony 
of those whose credit is not to be impeached, 
and who, as eye-witnesses of the events which 
they describe, have rescued the fame of La Fay- 
ette fi'om the calumny of factions, and the false 
aspersions of political foes. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 33 1 

At the commencement of the insurrection, 
when the numerous mob, composed chiefly of 
women, repaired to the H6tel-de-Ville, where a 
few of the committee of the Commune were as- 
sembled, M. Gouvion, aid to general La Fayette, 
and lieutenant-general, endeavoured, at the head 
of the national guard, to prevent their entrance; 
but the soldiers, swayed either by gallantry, hu- 
manity, or disaffection, gave way, and permitted 
them to pass. They then, with horrid impreca- 
tions, demanded bread and arms; exclaimed with 
violence against the pusillanimity of the men; 
and threatened the lives of the whole committee, 
and particularly of M. Bailly and the marquis de 
La Fayette. Having penetrated the magazine of 
arms, the universal clamour was to proceed to 
Versailles, ajid all endeavours to resist the fury 
of the mob were vain; and for the best of all 
reasons,~the want of means. Unfortunately the 
fanaticism was communicated to the grenadiers, 
who formed a part of the national guards. They 
not only declared that i' they would not turn their 
bayonets against the poor women who came to 
ask for bread," but intimated an inclination them- 
selves to proceed to Versailles. Their spokes- 
man declaimed loudly against the committee of 
subsistence, against the gardes^du-corps, and con- 
cluded, " that the people were miserable, and the 
source of evil was at Versailles; that they must 



33j^ l^IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

go and find out the king, and bring him to Paris.'*' 
The marquis de La Fayette reasoned, insisted, 
and threatened, but the tumult increased from all 
quarters: at length, though the national guard ap- 
peared not in the most tractable disposition, the 
mayor and municipality conceived it to be the 
only means of preventing mischief at Versailles, 
to permit their departure, with their commander 
at their head. The marquis, therefore, received 
an order to depart for Versailles.* — Experience 
had shown with what rapidity all Paris was in- 
flamed, up in arms, and embodied, when the citi- 
zens imagined that public safety was endangered. 
No power could resist an assemblage of women, 
and the dreadful declarations of mothers, that 
they had not bread to give to their children. This, 
in fact, was the spring which put in motion all 
the deeds performed that day. "Meanwhile," 
says M. liabaut de Saint-Etienne, an actor in, and 
victim of, the revolution, " the citizens also were 
desirous of bringing the king to Paris. Assem- 
bled in arms, they expressed their wishes in a 
manner which showed that they were determined 
to be obeyed. In vain did M. de La Fayette, 
who seemed astonished at the idea of doing vio- 
lence to the king, endeavour to allay this fermen- 
tation; he himself became the object of their 
menaces. He required an order from the city 

*Hist. Rev. in France, 2 vols in one, vol.i, 133-4, Philad. 1794. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 333 

council; the order was given, and he sat out."* 
Playfair, an inveterate enemy both to La Fayette 
and his liberal principles, remarks, that he " hesi- 
tated to obey those whom he expected to com- 
mand, but was forced to comply by the unan- 
swerable argument of the lantern, which was just 
ready within a few yards of his house, and which, 
it is not to be doubted, would have been employ- 
ed."! After the first body of insurgents had de- 
parted from Paris, " a second army of Amazons," 
says another writer, " was preparing to follow the 
first, who were with much difficulty dispersed 
by La Fayette, the national guards telling their 
general that they could not fire upon, or use any 
force, against their fellow-citizens who were ask- 
ing for bread. At the same time, the rage for 
going to Versailles was now become general, and 
so strongly infected the national troops, that they 
rather commanded than desired their officers to 
lead them thither. Upon this occasion, some of 
the grenadiers told La Fayette, without reserve, 
that understanding the king was an idiot, there 
was no doubt but matters would go on much bet- 
ter by the appointment of a council of regency. 
La Fayette, who seemed astonished at even the 
idea of offering any violence to the king's person, 

* Hist. Rev. in France, by St. Etienne, p. 95-6, Transl. Dublin^ 
1792. 
t Hist. Jacob, vol. i, p. 203. 



SS4 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

or laying any restraint upon his inclinations, with 
respect to residence, endeavoured to allay this 
fermentation, and temporized with the troops as 
long as possible; but they becoming every instant 
more outrageous, and at length directing their 
menaces against himself, he and his principal 
officers were compelled to submit to the demands 
of the soldiery: but, in order to legalise his pro- 
ceedings as much as he could, he first required 
and obtained an order from the mayor and coun- 
cil of Paris, to lay before the king the uneasiness 
of his people."* "At the very first alarm," says 
Toulongeon, " La Fayette repaired to the Hotel- 
de-Ville, where the grenadiers of the guards ve- 
hemently urged him to conduct them to Ver- 
sailles. His long resistance was useless; and six 
grenadiers, deputed from the six companies of 
grenadiers, addressed him as follows; " General, 
we do not believe you to be a traitor, but that 
you are betrayed by the government. Our com- 
mittee of subsistence are either guilty of malver- 
sation, or incapable of executing their functions, 
and they ought to be changed. The people are 
miserable, and the source of the evil is at Ver- 
sailles. It is necessary to bring the king to Paris. 
We cannot turn our arms against women who 
are demanding bread. We are determined to 
go to Versailles, and exterminate the gardes-du 

* Ann. Reg. 1790, vol. xxxii, p. 48, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 335 

corps and the regiment of Flanders, who have 
dared to trample under foot the national cock- 
ade."— M. de La Fayette, having said and did 
eVery thing that he could, to prevent their depar- 
ture, at length requested orders from the civil 
autiiority; and it is important to observe that he 
expressly received them as " cedes a la force des 
circonstances." (Obeyed from necessity, owing 
to circumstances.)* 

The whole of La Fayette's conduct, both at 
this time and previous to it, proves his sincerit} 
in endeavouring to allay the popular ferment. 
When a riot was excited, some time before this 
period, by a very turbulent and seditious man of 
the name of St. Huruge, who proposed this verj 
measure, that the king and the national assembh 
should be appointed to reside in Paris, it was 
greatly owing to the spirited exertions of La 
Fayette, that the mob which this man had assem^ 
bled was dispersed, and St. Huruge himself, with 
several other agitators, seized and sent to prison; 
and "there can be no doubt," says Moore, "that 
the present Insurrection would have had a simi- 
lar termination, if the national guards had been 
equally obedient on this occasion as on the for- 
mer." The national guards assembled before the 
H6tel-de-Ville, were so determined on this expe- 
dition to Versailles, and so irritated at La Fay- 

'■'' Hist, de France, par Toulongeon, tame i, p. 134, Paris, 180L 



336 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ette's persevering eiijdeavours to dissuade them, 
that a large body of them declared that they 
would no longer have him for their commander, 
and actually proposed to M. Dogni, Intendant- 
des-Postes, to accept the chief command instead 
of La Fayette, and to lead them to Versailles, 
declaring that they would follow his orders in all 
respects. He, however, positively refused. See- 
ing that, at all events, they were decided on going, 
and being utterly unable to oppose their decision 
by force, M. de La Fayette at length said, that if 
the municipality would give him an order for that 
purpose, he would go at the head of the national 
guards to communicate to the king the distresses 
of the capital, and the grievances of which they 
complained. Having obtained the order, he set 
out for Versailles, four or five hours after the 
motley band of males and females had taken the 
same route.* 

Happy, indeed, was it, as we shall now proceed 
to show, that La Fayette was thus induced, from 
circumstances to alter his determination. Had 
not his all-commanding voice been heard at Ver- 
sailles, the royal family would, beyond all doubt, 
have fallen victims to the ferocity of the mob. 
^o other man could have guided the national 
guards, for no other man possessed so large a 
share of their confidence and affection. Whatev- 

* Moore's View French Rev. vol, i, 287-9. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 337 

er threats they may have uttered, and however 
ready some of them may have been, in the fren- 
zy of the moment, even to immolate their com- 
mander, yet every other of their actions in which 
he was personally interested, during the period 
of his command, when ruled by reason, demon- 
strated the ardent love they bore him. If the 
Parisian guard, as in case of his refusal they 
certainly would have done, had marched to Ver- 
sailles without La Fayette at their head, they 
would have, if not actually joined the mob, at 
least like the Versailles guard, remained passive; 
and in either event the' destruction of the royal 
family, and the massacre of its few but brave de- 
fenders, would have been inevitable. 

However insubordinate the Parisian guards 
may have been previous to their departure from 
the capital, it is clearly demonstrated by subse- 
quent events, that they afterwards subjected 
themselves fully to the orders of their beloved 
commander. He now appeared to them in a 
new character; not as the opponent of their de- 
signs, but as the bearer of their complaints from 
the commune of Paris to the king. The policy 
of this measure is too obvious not to satisfy, 
with respect to his motives, all those who are 
not interested in defaming La Fayette. It was 
an easy and pretty plausible assertion, taking care, 
however, to omit the rationale^ that the genera] 

xj u 



S3S LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

headed the insurgents as the organ of communi- 
cating their grievances to the sovereign; while, 
in fact, it was only done so as to regain the con- 
fidence which rage had momentarily weakened, 
and as the lesser evil, to assure himself of obe- 
dience from those under his command, and to 
prevent greater evils by restraining a spirit which 
his presence alone could effect. That he possess- 
ed perfect command over his troops, is proved 
by his causing them, on the route, to swear fideli- 
ty to the king and to the laws. For, notwithstand- 
ing the absurd tales of Mr. Playfair,"and the arith- 
metical calculations of others, whereby the time 
necessary to administer an oath to so large an 
army, and the number of square feet necessary 
for the said army to stand upon while undergoing 
the ceremony, are nicely computed, the fact is 
not the less true.* Indeed, while some inimical 
writers deny it altogether, as affording too strong 
a proof of the marquis' power over the soldiery, 
and especially of his pacific and loyal intentions, 
others adduce it as an evidence of his guilt, and 
of his desire to procrastinate the arrival of suc- 
cour to Versailles! — " The national guard," says 
De Stael, '' marched with order, was obedient to 
its commander, and expressed no wish but that 
of bringing the king and the assembly to Paris. "f 

* Toulong. Hist, de France, vol. i, p. 135.— Ann. Reg. vol. xxxii, 
p. 51-2.— Hist, of France, 3 vols. vol. iii, p. 482. 
t Consider. French Rev. vol. i, p. 340. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 339 

It was midnight when the Parisian army ar- 
rived at Versailles; and whatever alarm an expe- 
dition, the object of which they knew not, might 
have occasioned in the breasts of the deputies, 
it was soon removed by the conduct of La Fay- 
ette, who presented himself to the national as- 
sembly with every appearance of respect and 
submission. He lamented the disorders and 
jealousies which had compelled him, against his 
judgment, to march at the head of the national 
guards to Versailles; expressing at the same time 
his hope and beUef, that an apology from the 
gardes-du-corps, and their adoption of the national 
cockade, would produce an oblivion of the past, 
and a good understanding in future. — The wea- 
ther was cold; and it continued to rain with vio- 
lence. The soldiers took refuge in taverns, cof- 
fee-houses, under porticos, wherever they could 
rest, and find shelter. Refreshments were dis- 
tributed among them; and an appearance of good 
humour inspired hopes that all danger of tumult 
was over for that night at least. When La Fay- 
ette perceived this, he gave such an account of 
this apparent tranquillity that the king and queen 
retired to rest. After having made the necessary 
arrangements, appointed different guards, and 
placed sentinels where he deemed it necessary, 
he again entered the national assembly, and gave 
them the same assurances that he had given the 



340 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

king. The members accordingly dispersed, con- 
vinced of the general pacific disposition; and, at 
about five in the morning, the marquis himself, 
after having visited all the posts, and found every 
thing perfectly quiet, retired to his quarters to 
write to the municipality of Paris, and to snatch 
a few hours repose.* — Madame l)e Stael, who 
was not only in Versailles, but in the palace, at 
the time, observes that " M. de La Fayette en- 
tered the palace and crossed the hall where we 
were, to go into the king. Every one surrounded 
him with ardour, as if he had been the master of 
events, while the popular party was already 
stronger than its leader. M. de La Fayette," she 
continues, " seemed perfectly calm; he has never 
been seen otherwise; but his delicacy suffered by 
the importance of the part he had to act:— to in- 
sure the safety of the palace, he desired to occupy 
the posts of the interior; — the exterior posts only 
were given to him. This refusal was natural, as 
the body-guards ought not to be removed; but it 
had almost been the cause of the greatest mis- 
fortunes. — M. de La Fayette left the palace, giv- 
ing us the most tranquillizing assurances. ^X five 
in the morning, he thought that all danger was 
over, and relied on the body guards, who had 
answered for the interior of the palace. A pas- 

* Moore's View, vol. ii, p. 9, lO.—Etienne's Rev. p. 99.— Hist. 
French Rev. 2 vols in one, vol. i, p. 139. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 341 

sage which they had forgotten to shut, enabled 
the assassins to get in. A similar accident proved 
favourable to two conspiracies in Russia, at ti <ies 
when vigilance was at its height, and when out- 
ward circumstances were most tranquil. It is, 
therefore, absurd to censure M. de La Fayette for 
an event that was so unlikely to occur. N o soon- 
er was he apprized of it than he rushed forward 
to the assistance of those who were threatened, 
with an ardour which was acknowledged at the 
moment, before calumny had prepared her poi- 
son."* 

" It has been asserted by M. La Fayette's ene- 
mies," says Moore, "that he affected to retire to 
rest, knowing that the palace was to be attacked, 
that he might not be thought to have any part in 
the horrid attempt which took place during his 
absence. But whatever blame he may be charged 
with for not taking more effectual means for 
guarding the palace, or for giving way to the de- 
sire of rest at such a period, the excessive fatigue, 
both of mind and body, which he had undergone, 
precludes the suspicion of affectation; and his 
conduct, from the moment he was awaked, as 
well as his general behaviour and character 
through life, must satisfy the candid and impar- 
tial, that the accusation is unjust, and that he had 
not the least notion when he retired, that the 

* Consid, French Rev. vol. i, p. 340-1. 



342 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

castle would be attacked.— Notwithstanding some 
scenes of confusion which no activity could pre- 
vent, the manner in which he suppressed the 
great insurrection in the Champ-de-Mars, on the 
seventeenth of July, and the state of tranquillity 
in which Paris was kept during the whole time 
that M. La Fayette had the command of the na- 
tional guards, compared with the horrid scenes 
that were acted there after it was entrusted to 
others, afford reason to believe, that it would 
have been fortunate for the royal family, and for 
France, that he had continued in that command; 
— in which case, the insurrection of the tenth of 
August would not have happened; or, if it had, 
the issue would probably have been different, and 
the massacres in September would certainly have 
been prevented."* 

The palace was attacked soon after day-break, 
on the sixth of October, and it was evident that 
the orders of La Fayette, in guarding the external 
courts, were ill- obeyed. It is of the first impor- 
tance to repeat, that he had required the com- 
mand over the posts of the interior, which re- 
quest was refused. The internal regulations of 
the castle would not admit of his interference: — 
the day before the attack, it would have been uni- 
versally condemned as an abuse of his power. 
This etiquette was so sacred, that no one even 

* Moore's View. vol. ii, p. 10, 11. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 348 

entertained the idea of permitting any innova- 
tion.* The national guards were merely per- 
mitted to occupy the exterior posts: the Swiss 
guards occupied all the posts towards the gar- 
dens; and, by express order, the gardes-du-corps 
alone were reserved for the interior posts of the 
castle. It was impossible for La Fayette to change 
these orders, without employing an authority 
which, owing to circumstances, would have been 
considered as an abuse of power. On the even- 
ing of the fifth, none of the events of the sixth 
could have been expected except by those who 
planned them; and it is still more probable that 
the enterprise was concerted during the night. — 
In fact, order was so little established in the inte- 
rior of the castle, — the event was so little expect- 
ed, — and every thing was so little changed from 
the usual system, that, according to daily custom, 
the posts of the gardes-du-corps were merely 
commanded by the brigadiers or quarter-masters 
in ordinary.! 

Thus was the marquis de La Fayette actually 
excluded from the palace, which, say his enemies, 
ought to have been his post during the night. 

*The respect in which it was held may be gathered from the 
following anecdote:— -When La Fayette arrived, during the tu- 
mult, and after rapidly passing through the apartments, arrived at 
the entrance of the king's chamber, he was stopped by the proper 
officer, who observed, "le roi vous accorde les grandes entrees.'^ 

tToulong. Hist, tome i, Pieces Justif. 120-1. 



344 LIFE OF LA FAYETT*:. 

This apparent neglect of a duty which he was 
not permitted to fulfil, is the only point of blame, 
that has ever, on this occasion, been urged against 
him with any degree of confidence. " The truth 
was," said general Fitzpatrick, "that having con- 
ceived an opinion that he had perfectly restored 
tranquillity, and provided for the safety of the 
royal family, and having been sixty hours without 
sleep, and fifteen actually on watch, worn by the 
weather and the turbulence of the multitude, and 
exhausted with fatigue, he suffered himself to be 
persuaded to throw himself, undressed as he was, 
on a bed, to get some repose for an hour or two. 
The mob, during this interval, renewed their at- 
tack; and his enemies asserted, that he had retired 
with a view to suffer this renewal;- — a calumny 
which every circumstance tended to refute. In- 
stantly upon his being informed of this second 
outrage, he again went to repress their violence, 
and succeeded. If we look at him afterwards, 
we constantly see him the defender of good or- 
der and the law, the opposer of tyranny and op- 
pression, from whatever quarter it arose."* 

As soon as the marquis de La Fayette heard 
of the attack, he started from his bed, mounted 
his horse, and having summoned a company of 
grenadiers, conjured them to accompany him to 
the palace, and save the royal family from assas- 

* Pari. Chrori. vol. ix, p. 645, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 345 

sination, and the French name from lasting infa- 
my. They arrived as the ruffians were attempt- 
ing to force the king's apartment, to which the 
queen had fled for safety, ^^othing but instant 
death was expected by the royal company. Sud- 
denly, however, the tumult seemed to cease — 
every thing was quiet; and a moment after, a 
gentle rap was heard at the door. The gardes- 
du-corps refused to open it: "Admit us," cried 
the grenadiers, " we have not forgotten that you 
saved us at Fontenoy." In an instant the apart- 
ment was filled with the Parisian guard, who 
grounded their arms. " We come," said their 
commander, "to save the king;"--and turning to 
such of the gardes-du-corps as were in the apart- 
ments — " We mil save you also, gentlemen; let 
us from this moment be united."* 

Unfortunately the national guard arrived too 
late to prevent all the mischief Two of the 
gardes-du-corps were murdered by the mob, be- 
fore the troops could be rallied. From the first 
moment of the alarm, the marquis de La Fayette 
had even exceeded his usual activity. He ap- 
fieared in every quarter:— " Gentlemen," he ex- 
' tilaimed to the Parisian soldiers, " I have pledged 
my word and honour to the king, that nothing 
belonging to him shall receive injury. If I break 

* Toulong. Hist, tome i, p. 144. — Hist. Rev. France, vol. i, p. 
140. — Moore's View. vol. ii, p. 12. 

X X 



346 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

my word, T shall be no longer worthy to be your 
commander." Animated by him, the Parisians 
forced their way in every part, through the almost 
impenetrable rnkss, surrounded the gardes-du- 
corps, and placed them in safety under their own 
colours.*— Fifteen of these body-guards, who 
having opposed the first entrance of the mob 
into the palace, had been surrounded and over- 
powered, were still in the hands of those savages, 
who were preparing to put them to death. " Gre- 
nadiers!''' cried La Fayette to his soldiers, " souf- 
frirez-vous done que de braves gens soient ainsi 
Idchement assassines?'^ (Grenadiers! will you then 
suffer those brave men to be assassinated in so 
cowardly a manner?) — The victims were rescued, 
and immediately conducted into the palace, while 
La Fayette endeavoured to soothe and mollify 
the populace.f — This glorious act was performed 
in the courts, and beneath the windows, of the 
palace. In the record of those moments of mur- 
der and rage, it is delightful to recite deeds which 
are an honour to humanity.^ " In the next hall," 
says madame de Stael, describing the scene at 
the castle, " the body-guards were embracing the 
national guards, with that warmth which is al- 
ways inspired by emotion in great emergencies: 

*Hist. Rev. France vol. i, p. 141. 

t Moore's View, ii, 13. 

JToulong. Hist.i, Pieces Justif. p. 121. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 347 

they were exchanging then' distinctive marks, the 
national guards putting on the belt of the body- 
guards, and the body-guards the tri-coloured 
cockade. All were then exclaiming with trans- 
port, Five La Fayette! because he had saved the 
lives of the body-guards, when threatened by the 
populace."* 

Thus, with his own hand did the gallant gene- 
ral rescue fifteen of the king's guard, whom the 
populace had marked for destruction. And no 
fact can be more clearly established, that it was 
to La Fayette that all the royal family of France 
owed their existence for one hour after the attack 
on the castle. For some time after that event, 
before their passions had gained the mastery over 
recent recollections, all parties, without excep- 
tion, agreed, that, at that dreadful period, the king, 
his family, and the whole court, owed their safety 
to the devoted zeal with which La Fayette ful- 
filled his numerous duties. The evidence of this 
fact is overwhelming; it cannot be overthrown; 
it proceeded from the lips of the queen herself, 
who at least could not be suspected of partiality 
in favour of the services rendered by La Fayette, 
on that day: she never afterwards refused to ac- 
knowledge the obligations which gratitude exact- 
ed; and she never contradicted, nor denied the 
truth of, her triumphant expression, "JVbz/5 lui 

* Consid. French Rev, vol. i, S42, 



348 T^IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

devons la vie ce jour -la.'' (On that day we owed 
our lives to him.)* 

The king's mind was greatly affected with the 
death of the guards who had fallen in his defence; 
and, notwithstanding all the assurances of La 
Fayette, while he walked through his palace ac- 
companied and protected by the general, he was 
making continual inquiries respecting them. The 
king, accompanied by the queen, with the dau- 
phin and princess royal at her side, having shown 
himself in a balcony, loud cries of Le roi a Paris! 
—le roi a, Paris! (the king to Paris!) mingled 
with menaces, arose. His majesty retired, and 
after having conferred with La Fayette, re-ap- 
peared, and signified his intention of going im- 
mediately to the capital. In fact, he had no choice 
left: it would not, perhaps, have been in the pow- 
er of M. de La Fayette himself, to have saved 
the lives of the royal family, had he refused.— 
the acquiescence of the king in their demand was 
received with shouts of joy by the people. At 
this moment, La Fayette approached the queen, 
and inquired with respectful hesitation, if it was 

*Toulong. Hist, tome i, Pieces Justif. 121-3. — Parliament. 
Chron. voL ix, 645. " The queen," said general Fitzpatrick, " had 
publicly declared that it was to him she owed her life; of this 
there are in London, at this hour, persons ready to bear testimony 
they heard that unfortunate princess say so." — Ibid. vol. xvi, 415. 
— Moore's View. ii,p. 12, 13. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 349 

her intention to accompany the king. " Yes," 
she replied, " although I know the danger." " Ma- 
dame," said he, " are you resolved?" — " I am." 
— "Condescend, then, to appear in the balcony, 
and permit me to accompany you." — "Without 
the king! — have you observed the threats?" — 
"Yes, madam; but venture to confide in me." — 
La Fayette then conducted her majesty to the 
balcony. It was a delicate and dangerous step; — ^ 
but the danger was less, than to permit the queen 
to depart for Paris without reconciling her to the 
people. The noise and agitation of the mob 
would not permit the voice to be heard; — it was 
necessary to speak to the eyes of the multitude. 
La Fayette approached, and kissed the hand of 
the queen, in the sight of all the people. This 
action first created general astonishment; but it 
was soon interrupted, and the silence was bro- 
ken by loud acclamations, and cries of Vive la 
reine! Five le general! — The king, in a state of 
apprehension, had followed the queen, and re- 
mained in the back ground: observing the suc- 
cess of her appearance, he said to La Fayette, 
cannot you do something for my guards?"— 
"Sire!" replied the hero, " command one of them 
to advance." He did so; and La Fayette, taking 
off his own cockade, placed it in the cap of the 
guard, and embraced him. In a moment the air 



350 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

resounded with loud cries of " Five les gardes- 
du-corps."* 

The royal family proceeded to Paris on the 
same day, and the tokens of joy manifested by 
the citizens on their return, was, in a great de- 
gree, owing to the exertions and popularity of 
La Favette. 

From the detail which has been faithfully and 
necessarily given, it is not absolutely requisite to 
disprove further, the assertion, that M. de La 
Fayette was connected with the duke of Orleans 
in fomenting the insurrection. The ill terms on 
which he was witji D 'Orleans is sufficient of 
itself to clear him of this accusation. I^o two 
men were less likely to be in intimacy with each 
other. Their characters were directly opposite: 
La Fayette was indefatigable in the pursuit of re- 
nown; disinterested, brave, and generous:— quali- 
ties never attributed to the character of the duke 
B'Orleans. Even Playfair admits, in exaggerated 
language, that " La Fayette was become his mor- 
tal enemy." The sending of the duke of Orleans 
out of the kingdom, by La Fayette, is also a tri- 
umphant vindication from the charges of his ene- 
mies. It must be remembered that nothing could 
exceed the indignation of La Fayette, at the un- 
expected disobedience which he experienced from 
Ms troops on the fifth of October. All the mutual 

* Moore's View, ii, p. 15. — Touiong. Hist, tomei, p. 146-7. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTfi. 351 

ties which should unite a general and his army, 
seemed at once dissolved. He well knew that 
their disobedience and mutiny did not originate 
with themselves, but were produced by the ma- 
chinations of the cabal, of which Mirabeau was, 
at least, the ostensible head, and the duke D'Or- 
leans the real father. Against the latter, there- 
fore, he justly directed his indignation: for, what- 
ever his private political views might have been, 
there certainly was nothing farther removed from 
them, or which he abhorred more, even in idea, 
than that the duke of Orleans, through any con- 
vulsion, or change of circumstances, or under 
any denomination, of regent or otherwise, should 
ever be placed at the head of public affairs. The 
views of the cabal were now thoroughly seen 
through, and they had consequently lost all influ- 
ence, weight, and confidence, in the assembly; 
and rumours were circulated which represented 
the duke of Orleans as harbouring criminal de- 
signs upon the crown, or the regency at least. 
rM. de La Fayette had for some time perceived 
that the national guards were not so ready and 
cheerful in their obedience to his orders, as for- 
merly. The rabble, also, were uncommonly tu- 
multuous. The duke of Orleans was strongly 
suspected of being the author of these excesses, 
and of the mutinous disposition of the national 
guards. He was not more odious to the court 



352 i-iy^ OF LA FAYETTE. 

than to La Fayette, and would have been arrested, 
had it not been judged imprudent to venture on 
so decisive a measure, in the present circumstan- 
ces. Another plan less likely to create popular 
commotion, but which, it was thought, would have 
all the good effect of arresting him, was adopted. 
M. de La Fayette settled the business like a sol- 
dier with little ceremony, but peremptory effect. 
In a short and sudden conference with the duke, 
he informed him, in a few words, that his pre- 
sence in France was, at this juncture, incompati- 
ble with the good of the nation; that England, 
where he was well acquainted, was deemed the 
country most fitting for him to retire to; that a 
passport from the king was ready for him; and 
that, to cover the matter, he should be apparently 
sent to execute a private commission from his 
majesty. The mandate was so peremptory, de- 
livered with such firmness, and accompanied with 
an air of such decisive authority, that the duke, 
surprised and subdued, shrunk under its effect; 
and, every thing being prepared, was despatched 
to England. " There was probably something," 
says Moore, " very powerful in M. La Fayette's 
manner^ which convinced the duke so suddenly 
of the expediency of this journey; for, in the ex- 
pressions he used, there appears to have been 
nothing very persuasive." It is stated, by others, 
that the duke made some objections to the mea- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 353 

sure, and that, at a meeting on the subject held 
at the office of the minister for foreign affairs, 
he remarked to La Fayette, " My enemies pre- 
tend that you possess proofs against me." — 
" They are rather my enemies who say it," re- 
plied the general, " If I were capable of produc- 
ing proofs against you, you would have already 
been arrested."* 

We have deemed it a duty to transgress our 
limits in describing the part acted by the marquis 
de La Fayette, on the fifth and sixth of October, 
and to particularise a conduct which, so far from 
deserving the opprobrium which has been cast 
upon it, is a beautiful and brilliant display of the 
noblest qualities of a noble soul.f In the official 
report subsequently made to the Commune of 
Paris, the committee observed, that " it was their 
duty to commence with the highest eulogiums on 
the commander-in-chief, not only on account of 
his well-known courage, prudence, and firmness, 
but also of his patriotic devotion, which caused 

*Toulong. Hist, tome i, Pieces Justif. p, 122. — Consid. French 
Rev. i, 349, 350.--Hist. Rev. i, 146.— Etienne's Rev. 102.— Ann. 
Reg. xxxii, 61, 62. — Moore's View, ii, 89, 90. 

t As an additional proof that La Fayette had no participation 
whatever in creating this insurrection, it is stated, that letters 
from him to D'Estaing, dated in September, indicative of some 
approaching, or apprehended, danger, were communicated to the 
municipal committee of Versailles, who accordingly demanded 
an additional regiment to protect the town.— ^njz. Iteg- vol. xxxii, 
p. 42. 

Y y 



354 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

him to brave murmurs and menaces, in order to 
restrain the multitude within the bounds of duty, 
and guide with wisdom an impetuous torrent 
which had burst from its banks."* The prin- 
cess Elizabeth also joined her testimony in favour 
of La Fayette. Nearly two years after the sixth 
of October, she heard it remarked, that, in case* 
of a counter-revolution, it was intended to pro- 
duce against La Fayette, a letter written by him 
on that day. Warmed with indignation at so un- 
just a design, she caused him to be made ac- 
quainted with it, and advised him to withdraw the 
document from the Hotel -de-Ville, where it was 
deposited. La Fayette, touched with the gene- 
rosity of the princess, repHed "that he had 
written nothing which he feared to make pub- 
lic"! 

The national assembly soon followed the king 
to Paris, and on the day of theu* first sitting were 
waited on by the mayor, and La Fayette, at the 
head of a deputation from the municipality, with 
the congratulations of the capital; in return for 
which M. Bailly and La Fayette received a 
unanimous vote of thanks from the assembly, 
for the zeal, vigilance, activity, and patriotism, 
which had distinguished their conduct during the 
late troubles. In the answer to their address, the 
president observed, in allusion to La Fayette, — 

* Mem. Hist. p. 190. t Toulong. Hist. Pieces Justif. p. 121. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 355 

" That hero is a philosopher whom the interests 
of mankind alone called, into the field of glory, 
and who, beneath the banners of an illustrious 
warrior who can never be forgotten, seemed, like 
him, to prize the lessons of a modern Lycurgus, 
as much as, and perhaps more than, the laurels 
of the triumphs which founded the liberty of 
Philadelphia."* 

Towards the close of the year 1789, the mar- 
quis de Favras was accused of a conspiracy, the 
object of which was to massacre M. de La Fay- 
ette, M. Bailly, and M. Necker, and convey the 
king, with or without his consent, to Peronne. 
He was subsequently condemned, and executed 
on the nineteenth of February, 1790; and the 
first day of his trial aiforded another opportunity 
to the commander-in-chief, in the display of his 
duty. The mob then endeavoured riotously to 
assemble; but they were dispersed by the mas- 
terly conduct of La Fayette, and the city was 
thereby restored to perfect tranquillity. 

In the month of January, 1790, the baron de 
Bezenval, the Swiss general, was tried and acquit- 
ted by the court of chatelet; but before the sen- 
tence had been declared, nothing could exceed 
the rage and indignation of the populace, when 
they became convinced of the certainty of his 
acquittal. They resolved to exercise the right 

«Mem. Hist. p. 165-6,7. 



356 5.1FE OF LA FAYET'M, 

of summary and executive justice, by forcing the 
prison in which Bezenval was confined; and ex- 
hibiting in his person a memorable and bloody 
instance to mankind, of that inexorable justice 
by which they were guided. T'he twelfth of 
January was fixed on for the execution of this 
design; and the expectations and cruel hopes of 
the rabble were elevated to the highest pitch. 
But they were not able, in their present state, to 
conduct schemes of this nature with that secrecy 
which is so necessary to their success. Bailly, 
La Fayette, the chatelet, the national assembly, 
and, in a word, every part of government, be- 
came masters of the whole design, and all adopt- 
ed such measures as seemed best calculated for 
its prevention or defeat. La Fayette, in particu- 
lar, acted with great vigour, diligence, and effect. 
But, although the immediate designs of the plot- 
ters were thus overthrown, yet the capital con- 
tinued in a state of great disorder for two or 
three days. Cabals and meetings were continu- 
ally taking place, and all the past indications of 
mischief were renewed, and seemed to appear 
in stronger colours than usual. Mischiefs of every 
kind, and accompanied with every degree of hor- 
ror and ruin, were generally expected; and even 
those who were best informed, anticipated some 
great, and probably dreadful, event. But La Fay- 
ette, by a vigorous act of exertion, put an end to 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 357 

the combustion in Paris. With his militia, he 
suddenly surrounded, at night, a body of eleven 
hundred of the insurgents, who were assembled 
in the Champs Elysees, of whom he made two 
hundred prisoners; the rest being so terrified, 
that they seemed to consider themselves fortu- 
nate in escaping witli their lives. This put a 
stop for the present, to nocturnal meetings, as 
well at to riots by day.* 

On the twenty-second of May, 1790, after a 
long and stormy debate during several sittings, 
the national assembly decreed that " war could 
not be declared but by a decree of the legisla- 
tive assembly, predicated on the formal and ne- 
cessary proposition of the king, and afterwards 
sanctioned by his majesty." On this occasion, 
which brought forward all the talents of the as- 
sembly, M. de La Fayette opposed the absolute 
right of the king to declare war, but maintained 
that a division of the power would be more con- 
formable to the true constitutional principles of 
liberty and monarchy, more calculated to keep 
at a distance the scourge of war, and more ad- 
vantageous to the people. — In concluding his 
opinions on this subject, which were of course 
less popular than those which vested the whole 
power in the legislative assembly, La Fayette 

* Ann. Reg. vol, xxxii, p. 124-5, 6.-— -I'oulong. Hist. vol. i, p. 



S58 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

made the following noble remark; — " I have be- 
lieved that I could not better pay the immense 
obligations which I owe to the people, than in 
not sacrificing to the fleeting popularity of a day, 
the opinions which I considered as most useful 
in promoting their good."* 

On the seventh of June, general La Fayette 
afforded a signal proof of the disinterestedness 
of his principles, when some anxiety was either 
felt, or feigned, at his command over so vast an 
army as the whole national guard of the king- 
dom. He mounted the tribune, and proposed a 
decree that no individual should command more 
than one department of the national guards at a 
time; and this, too, when fourteen thousand de- 
puties of four millions of armed citizens were 
about to entreat him to become their chief It is 
such traits in the life and character of a man 
which ought especially to be recorded.! 

La Fayette had, since its establishment, uni- 
formly declared himself against the Jacobin 
club$ and its projects. With Bailly, the mayor 
of Paris, he had organised an opposing club, and 
the victory between the two parties was doubt- 
ful for more than a year and a half. The posi- 

*Mem. Hist, p. 197-8, 9.~-TouloDg. Hist, i, 208. 
t Biog. Not. p. 9.~Toulong. i, 214.— Mem. Hist. Pref. xv. 
J The fust meeting of this club was held on the sixth of Octo- 
ber, 1789. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 359 

tion in which La Faytstte was placed during the 
contest, was extremely embarassing and dange- 
rous. He was obliged to oppose the unprinci- 
pled purposes of the Jacobins, without retreating 
towards the principles of the ancient despotism; 
and it is greatly to his honour, that he did it most 
faithfully and consistently. When, therefore, on 
the twentieth of June, 1790, a proposition was 
suddenly made in the convention to abolish all 
titles of nobility. La Fayette, true to his princi- 
ples, rose to second it. This proposition ema- 
nated from a member of the minority of the 
noblesse. A short discussion followed. La Fay- 
ette observed that the suppression of titles was 
a necessary consequence of the constitution 
which had been adopted. "What!" exclaimed 
M. Foucault, who opposed the motion, " would 
you deprive man of the most powerful, and the 
most noble motive, of emulation?— What would 
you do, for instance, if there were no titles, with 
the man whom Henry II created, according to 
the words of the patent, ' noble and count, for 
having saved the state.?' " " I would omit," re- 
plied La Fayette, " the words created a count, 
and insert only that he had saved the state. '^ — 
It was attempted to preserve the title of seig- 
neurs for the princes of the reigning family; but 
La Fayette opposed it, in the same genuine spirit 
of liberty which had dictated his first opinion. — 



SQO I-IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

From this time, La Fayette renounced the title 
of marquis, and has never since resumed it. 
Since the restoration of the Bourbons, indeed, 
and the revival of the ancient nobility, there has 
been sometimes an affectation among the ultra 
royalists of calling him by his former title; but 
he has never recognised it, and is still known in 
France only by the address of general. At least, 
if he is sometimes called otherwise there, it is 
not by his friends. On the seventh of February, 
1824, he was summoned as a witness in the trial 
of madame Chauvet, the wife of a person con- 
demned to death, as an accomplice with general 
Berton, but who fled to England. After the ac- 
cusation was read, the first witness called was 
the "marquis de La Fayette." General La Fay- 
ette immediately rose, and observed, that since 
the decree of the constitutional assembly, of June, 
1790, he had ceased to bear the title of marquis. 
The clerk of the court, by the order of the pre- 
sident then called M. de La Fayette, the father, 
and M. de La Fayette, the son, who had been 
also summoned.* 

At length the constitution of a representative 
monarchy, which La Fayette's exertions had, 
from the first opening of the assembly, been con- 
sistently devoted to establish, was prepared,* and 

* North Am. Rev. No.xlvi.p. 160.— Hist. French Rev. i, 192.— 
Toulqng. Hist, i, 217 — JSat. Gaz. March 17, 1824. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 3gl 

all were desirous that it should be received and 
recognised by the nation in the most solemn man- 
ner. A great public ceremony was, therefore, 
resolved on, and the day selected as most appro- 
priate for the occasion was the fourteenth of July, 
1790, the anniversary of the destruction of the 
bastile. The king, the national assembly, and 
the people, were then to take an oath to main- 
tain the cause of liberty and the constitution; for 
although the latter was not yet completed, yet the 
principles which it declared sacred had obtained 
universal assent. The Champ-de-Mars, in front 
of the military school, was chosen for the grand 
national solemnity. In the midst of this exten- 
sive plain, an altar was erected, for the purpose 
of administering the civic oath; an 1 round it, 
an immense amphitheatre was thrown up, of a 
league in circumference, and capable of contain- 
ing four hundred thousand spectators. The en- 
trance into the Champ-de-Confederation, (as it 
was now called,) was through triumphal arches: 
the king's throne was placed under an elegant 
pavilion in the middle, and on each side of it were 
seats for the members of the national assembly. 
Two thousand workmen were employed upon 
this immense labour; but the citizens of Paris, 
fearing lest the preparations should not be com- 
pleted at the appointed period, flocked from eve- 
ry quarter to assist in the undertaking. Not only 

z z 



S62 J^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the military, but the clergy, and even the ladies, 
lent their cheerful assistance. Women of the 
first rank were seen joining the crowd of volun- 
tary labourers; and young women of every de- 
nomination were daily seen tripping to the field 
with their gowns tucked, and belts of the national 
ribbon around their waists. There the lover 
wrought by the side of his mistress, enlivened 
by her smiles, and encouraged by the tune of Ca 
Ira.* 

The day preceding the intended celebration, a 
deputation from the whole of the national guards 
in the kingdom, paid their homage to the national 
assembly and the king. M. de La Fayette was 
at its head. In addressing the national assembly, 
La Fayette, among other things, remarked, that 
the national guards of France now came to offer 
the homage of their respect and gratitude; that 
the nation desired liberty, and demanded a con- 
stitution; but that they might have expected it in 
vain, if the enhghtened will of the assembly had 
not created the power entrusted to the national 
guards, and if their united and harmonious efforts 
had not reinstated the order which the first move- 
ments of fiberty had destroyed. " Gentlemen,'*' 
he exclaimed, " you well knew the necessities of 
France, and the will of Frenchmen, when you 

* North Am. Review, No. xlvi, p. 160-1.— Moore's View. vo^. 
ii, p. 90-1.— Hist. French Rev. vol. i, 195. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 36$ 

destroyed the gothic fabric of our government 
and laws, and respected only their monarchical 
principle: Europe then discovered that a good 
king could be the protector of a free, as he had 
been the ground of comfort to an oppressed, 
people. — The rights of man are declared; the 
sovereignty of the people acknowledged; their 
power is representative; and the bases of public 
order are estabhshed. Hasten, then, to give en- 
ergy to the power of the state. The people owe 
to you the glory of a new constitution: but they 
require and expect that peace and tranquillity 
which cannot exist without a firm and effectual 
organization of government.— We, gentlemen, 
devoted to the revolution, and united in the name 
of liberty, the guarantees alike of individual and 
common rights and safety — we, called by the 
most imperative duty from all parts of the king- 
dom, founding our confidence on your wisdom, 
and our hopes on your services, — we will bear, 
without hesitation, to the altar of the country, 
the oath which you may dictate to its soldiers. — 
Yes, gentlemen, our arms shall be stretched forth 
together, and at the same instant, our brothers 
from all parts of France, shall utter the oath 
which will unite them together. — May the so- 
lemnity of that great day be the signal of the 
concihation of parties, of the oblivion of resent- 
ments, and of the establishment of public peace 



3g4 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

and happiness,— And fear not that this holv en- 
thusiasm will hurry us beyond the proper and 
prescribed limits of public order. Under the pro- 
tection of the law, the standard of liberty shall 
never become the rally ing-point of licentiousness 
and disorder. Gentlemen, we swear to you to 
respect the law which it is our duty to defend,— 
we swear, by our honour as freemen; — and 
Frenchmen do not promise in vain." — The ad- 
dress of La Fayette to the king evinced the same 
regard to royal, and national rights, " Sire," said 
he, " in the course of those memorable events 
wliich have restored to the nation its imprescrip- 
tible rights, and during which the energy of the 
people, and the virtues of their king, have pro- 
duced such illustrious examples for the contem- 
plation of the world, we loved to hail, in the per- 
son of your majesty, the most illustrious of all 
titles, — chief of the French, and king of a free 
people. — Enjoy, sire, the recompense of your 
virtues, and let that pure homage, which despo- 
tism could not command, be the glory and re- 
ward of a citizen-king.— You have desired that 
we should possess a constitution founded on lib- 
erty and public order. All your wishes, sire, shall 
be accomplished; — liberty we have secured, and 
our zeal is the guarantee of pubhc order." La 
Fayette concluded with these remarkable words: 
':'' The national guards of France swear to your 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 3^5 

majesty, an obedience which shall know no other 
limits than those of the law, and a love which 
shall only terminate with their existence." — The 
reply of the king was extremely circumspect, 
and affectionate;—" Repeat to your fellow-citi- 
zens, that it would have been my desire to speak 
to them all, as I now speak to you. Say to them, 
that their king is their father, their brother, their 
friend,— that he cannot be contented without their 
prosperity, great without their glory, rich without 
their property, nor unhappy without they are 
afflicted."* 

The day of vast and universal expectation at 
last arrived. The king, the court, the clergy, the 
national assembly, a deputation of military from 
the eiirhty-three departments, and a body of peo- 
ple amounting to above four hundred thousand 
souls, were assembled in the magnificent amphi- 
theatre of the Champ-de-Confederation. The 
king had been appointed, for that day only, su- 
preme and absolute commander of all the na- 
tional guards in France. He named La Fayette 
as his delegate to perform the functions; so that 
he was not only commander-in-chief of the na- 
tional guards of Paris, but high constable of all 
the armed men in the kingdom; which was, pro- 
bably, a greater number than had ever before 
been in any kingdom in the world. At this time 

*Toulong. i, 219, f2£0.-— Mem. Hist. p. 203, 207, 



$QQ LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

he occupied a most important station indeed: the 
eyes of the whole world were fixed upon him. 
Having the military command over six millions 
of men, and holding in his hands the power of 
the monarchy, a boundless influence and a devo- 
ted army might have carried him successfully to 
the highest grade of power In a word, on him 
reposed the destinies of France. This was the 
crisis of his reputation; and from his course at 
that time, his friends and enemies imbibed their 
opinions of his character. There was but one 
course for La Fayette to pursue, and that was the 
support of Uberty, of constitutional monarchy, 
and of public tranquillity; and he always held, 
as it were, a magnanimous neuterality between 
the different parties, when their projects went 
beyond the laws of justice and moderation. — 
After mass was celebrated by M. de Talleyrand, 
then bishop of Autun, M. de La Fayette dis- 
mounted from his white charger, and approached 
the king to receive his orders, who delivered to 
him the form of the oath prescribed for the na- 
tional troops. " Is it not Tacitus who remarks," 
says a writer of that period, " speaking of Agri- 
cola, that nothing heightens the brilhancy of a 
throne more than to see bending before it, the 
person of a man who possesses a bold and noble 
soul, and who, although yet in his youth, can 
boast of many triumphs?"-— M. de La Fayette, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 367 

as the representative of the nation, took the oath 
first, at the altar which had been erected in the 
midst of the arena. When he left the foot of 
the throne, where he had for some time stood, 
and moved towards the altar, the trumpets began 
to sound, and while he ascended its steps, a vast 
band of martial music continued to play. Every 
eye of the immense mass was turned on him: 
every hand was raised to join in the oath he ut- 
tered. It was, no doubt, one of the most magnifi- 
cent and solemn ceremonies the world ever saw; 
and, perhaps, no man ever enjoyed the sincere 
confidence of an entire people more completely 
than La Fayette did, as he thus bore the most 
imposing part in these extraordinary solemnities. 
— In the view of the multitude who filled the 
immense circus around, he laid the point of his 
sword upon the bible which was on the table of 
the altar, and raising his other hand towards hea- 
ven, the music ceased; — an universal stillness 
ensued; — and he pronounced the oath: " We 
swear to be forever faithful to the nation, to the 
law, and to the king; to maintain, to the utmost 
of our power, the constitution decreed by the 
national assembly, and accepted by the king." 
The conclusion of tl lis ceremony was announced 
by the discharge of artillery, the reiterated shouts 
ot Five le roi! vive la nation! the clanging of 
arms, and the flourishes of warlike instruments; 



368 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

-—and the immense multitude, who witnessed the 
oath, united in it with loud and long acclamations. 
• — Similar oaths were then taken by the presi- 
dent of the national assembly, and the king.* 

La Fayette was, on this day, the grand object 
of popular affection: he inspired the national 
guards with an exalted devotion. The oath, and 
the man who pronounced it, excited a strong 
feehng of confidence. The spectators felt an in- 
toxication of delight: the king and liberty seemed 
to them, at that time, completely united. For 
La Fayette, it was an epoch pregnant with diffi- 
culties. The part he played caused him to be 
closely watched by all parties; but his conduct 
removed all cause for uneasiness, and preserved 
to him his high rank and consideration. The 
throne feared him; and he had been useful to the 
throne; but confidence could never be established 
between him and the king; and mutual advanta- 
ges were lost, because they never dared to assist 
each other.— But, if the political opinion of La 
Fayette had been different, his power would have 
fallen to the ground if he had ventured to oppose 
the feeling of the day. Ideas, not individuals, 
were then all-powerful. A limited monarchy has 
always been the true wish of France, but, as 

* Stiicl, Consid. Rev. i, 376.— Hist. French Rev. i, 194.— Moore's 
View, ii, 93-5.— Toulong. Hist, i, 222-3, 4— Mem. Hist. 199, 
203, 207.— North American Rev. No, xlvi, p. 161-2. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 369 

madam De Stael has well observed, the last move- 
ment of a truly national enthusiasm was display- 
ed at this federation of 1790. The Jacobins 
were constantly gaining power, and the revolu- 
tion was falling more and more into the hands 
of the populace. Notwithstanding the good in- 
tentions of many who took the oath, the cere- 
mony has been considered as the grandest and 
most extensive act of perjury that heaven and 
earth have ever witnessed. But La Fayette him- 
self, under all circumstances, remained strictly 
faithful to his oaths; and now defended the freedom 
of the king, as sincerely as he had ever defended 
the freedom of the people. Every subsequent 
act proved his sincerity: every day his situation 
became more dangerous. He might have taken 
great power to himself, and so have been safe. 
He mi?^ht have received the sword of constable 
of France, which was once worn by the Mont- 
laorencies, but he declined it: or he might have 
been generalissimo of the national guards, who 
owed their existence to him, but he thought it 
more for the safety of the state that no such 
power should exist.* 

Previous to the confederation, the duke of Or- 
leans desired leave to return and assist at this 
august ceremony, adding, that if the assembly 

* North American lieview, No. xlvi, p. 161.— Consid. French 
Rev. vol. i, S76.— Toulong. tome i, 227-8. 



S70 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

should not think it necessary to deliberate on the 
subject, he should consider that as a permission 
for his return. The assembly immediately cast 
their eyes towards La Fayette, who ascended the 
tribune and explained his motives for having ad- 
vised the departure of the duke. The reasons, 
he added, in his opinion, did still subsist, though 
he saw nothing to make him apprehensive, at 
present, for the pubhc safety. The assembly 
then passed to the order of the day, which was 
construed into a permission for his returning to 
Paris, where he accordingly arrived on the ele- 
venth of July, and after first renewing his civic 
oath in the national assembly, assisted personally 
at the confederation.* 

Three days aftei* the federation, La Fayette 
received a most flattering and affectionate address 
from the national guards of France, signed by 
more than twelve hundred commandants, cap- 
tains, officers, and privates, belonging to all de- 
partments of the kingdom. " The more," ob- 
served these deputies of four miUions of soldiers, 
" you perform for the public benefit, the less you 
desire to receive rewards; you have refused the 
homage about to be offered from the grateful 
hearts of your fellow- citizens; you endeavour to 
escape from our zeal aiad our eulogiums; and 
you have afforded the striking example, that a 

* Moore's View, ii, 89, 90.-— Hist. French Rev. i, 195, 196. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 37 i 

truly great man can never l>elieve that he has 
performed enough for his country. — The depu- 
ties of the national guard of France, retire under 
the fear that they will be unable to appoint you 
their chief; they respect the constitutional law 
which arrests the impulse of their hearts; and the 
fact that you yourself originated that law — that 
you yourself prescribed limits to the expression 
of our gratitude — ought forever to cover you with 
glory. — But if you cannot be our chief, you will 
ever be our friend, our guide, and our model: 
accustomed to behold in you, one of those heroes 
who have principally contributed to the success 
of the revolution, we will never forget the great 
example which you have shown us; and, should 
it be possible that, at a future day, any attempt 
shall be made to abuse our love of liberty, — 
should it be possible that that love, so pure in its 
principle, shall give any hopes to the partizans 
of disorder, — be firm and encouraged: millions 
of men are armed for the defence of the con- 
stitution; millions of men to partake in your dan- 
gers. — As representative of the nation, be, sir, 
always near the legislative assembly, as the 
pledge of our zeal in the execution of its de- 
crees."* 

It is a pleasing part of the duty of the biogra- 
pher, to record the numerous examples, which 

* Mem. Hist. p. 292. 



372 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

shed SO much lustre on the pure and disinterest- 
ed principles of La Fayette. That truly great 
man steadily resisted the entreaties of the mu- 
nicipality of Paris, which required him to accept 
the compensation legally granted to him as the 
commander of the national guard. In Septem- 
ber, 1790, the president of the Commune, at 
length addressed a letter to la Fayette, in which 
he declared and reiterated in the most positive 
manner, that it was the intention of the assembly 
no longer to permit him to refuse the indemnity 
which was legally and unavoidably his due, for 
the immense expenditures which he had been 
obliged to make in the eminent situation which 
the public voice had entrusted to him: — that the 
assembly requested, and (as authoritive expres- 
sions on their part could not be disagreeable to 
him who had uniformly supported their authori- 
ty,) it understood, that he would receive the ne- 
cessary indemnities. " You may be generous," 
it concluded, " but the city of Paris cannot pos» 
sibly be ungrateful. You have created its felicity 
—it cannot involve you in ruin." — To this letter, 
general La Fayette made the following reply: 

Gentlemen, 

Permit me, while I positively declare that I 
have received nothing, either directly or indirect- 
ly, from the municipality nor the executive, to 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTEo 373 

add, that I receive a sweet and sufficient com- 
pensation for the trouble occasioned by fulfilling 
the duties of the distinguished situation to which 
I have been called by the voice of the people, 
in the kind and flattering professions with which 
you have ever deigned to honour me. I do not 
affect a false generosity, in persisting in my re- 
fusal: I would be disposed, not only to accept, 
but to demand, to solicit, from the people, in 
whose cause I have devoted my fortune and my 
life, indemnity for my expenditures, if my for- 
tune did not raise me above want. — It was con- 
siderable; it has sufficed for two revolutions; and 
if a third should occur ^ for the benefit of the peo- 
ple^ it shall belong wholly to it. 

La Fayette. 

A deputation was then appointed to wait on 
the commander-in-chief: he remained firm, but 
respectful in his refusal. His second reply con- 
tains sentiments ennobling to human nature. " I 
will observe, gentlemen," said he, " that in this 
moment of troubles, it is difficult to regulate the 
expenditure of the commander-in-chief. If my 
personal situation required pecuniary aid, I would 
have demanded it; and I beg you to beheve, that 
I do not attach more importance to refusing, 
than to accepting, it. But, at a time when so 
many citizens are in want, and so many expenses 



374 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

are necessary, it is repugnant to my feelings use- 
lessly to increase them. My fortune is sufficient 
for the rank 1 hold. — After this declaration, gen- 
tlemen, 1 confine myself simply to the request, 
that the one hundred thousand livres added for 
the current year, to the forty thousand crowns, 
may contribute to the comfort and relief of those 
who have most severely suffered for their coun- 
try." In the same communication, he declared 
that the compensation of the commander-in-chief, 
fixed at one hundred and twenty thousand livres, 
was excessive, and ought to be diminished.* 

The society of Jacobins, one of the most pow- 
erful engines recurred to during the French re- 
volution, was now beginning to dictate laws to the 
assembly itself. " From the moment," says 
madame De Stael, " that we admit into a govern- 
ment, a power that is not legal, it invariably ends 
by becoming the strongest." The Jacobin clubs, 
(for there were no less than twenty thousand 
affiliated clubs in France,) were organised as a 
government more than the government itself: 
they passed decrees; they were connected by 
correspondence in the provinces, with other clubs 
not less powerful; and, finally, they could be con- 
sidered only as a mine, always ready to blow up 
existing institutions, when opportunities should 
offer. But its incendiary motions and outrageous 

*M6m. Hist. p. 178—184. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE» 375 

proceedings, and the equivocal characters of 
many of the ruling members, had cast an inde- 
lible stain on a society which, after efficaciously 
and usefully counterbalancing the influence of 
the court, was now likely, at no distant periodj 
to endanger the fabric of national liberty. M. de 
La Fayette and his partizans would not, therefore, 
consent to go to a club, whose leaders scarcely 
concealed their wishes to dethrone the king, and 
either nominate a new dynasty to the throne, or 
erect a republic on its ruins. To balance the 
influence of the Jacobin club, they instituted a 
rival society under the name of the " club of 
1789," in which the friends of order and liberty 
were expected to meet. The principal leaders 
of this club, on its establishment, were La Fay- 
ette, Talleyrand, the dukes de Bochefoucault, 
and Liancourt, the two Lameths; and many other 
celebrated orators, patriots, and politicians. When 
they became more numerous, they were better 
known by the title of Feuillans, from the convent 
of that name, in which they assembled. — Their 
former associates, the Jacobins, perceiving them 
to be formidable, affected to wish for a reunion, 
and accordingly sent a deputation for that pur- 
pose; but the Feuillans decidedly rejected the 
proposition; — a circumstance which their rivals 
well knew how to turn to their advantage, and 
soon found means not only to render them sus= 



376 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

pected by the people, but even, at length, to an- 
nihilate them as a deliberative body.— These two 
formidable societies evinced a rooted hatred to 
each other. The friends of order and of the con- 
stitution, were unable to resist the intolerant spi- 
rit which soon involved France in blood and ca- 
lamity; and when, at last, the monarchy was 
dissolved, the blood cf the advocates of liberty 
flowed on the same scaffold that had received the 
victims of aristocracy; and the founders of the 
republic began to proscribe each other with an 
envenomed rancour, that admitted neither of 
compromise nor of mercy. La Fayette himself 
became the victim of Jacobinical fury, and of the 
free and rational principles, which caused him 
steadily to oppose the growing power of the 
Jacobin society.* 

In the beginning of the year 1791, the spirit 
of sedition seemed to augment every moment, 
and would no doubt have produced very dread- 
ful effects, had it not been for the steady conduct 
of La Fayette, and the national guards acting 
under his orders. It is impossible to unfold the 
motives of every insurrection which occurred 
during the revolution. Some, which Avere begun 
in consequence of premeditated plans, failed, 
from the error or weakness of the conductors: 

* Consid. French Rev. i, 398.— Stephen's Hist. Wars French 
Rev. i, Introd. cix-x. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 377 

some arose from mere accident, independent of 
any regular scheme, and became formidable from 
being considered as the result of profound design 
and extensive conspiracy. On the twenty-eighth 
of February, 1791, the jealousy and dissatisfac- 
tion of the public were unfortunately increased 
by a rumour which prevailed, that the castle of 
Vincennes was intended to replace the Bastile. 
It is uncertain whether this idea originated with 
the rabble, or was suggested by men who had 
some view in it, which afterwards failed; but, on 
the day mentioned, a large body of men set out 
from the Fauxbourg St. Antoine, with the avowed 
intention of destroying the castle of Vincennes. 
This mob was led by Santerre, a brewer of that 
suburb, who had endeavoured to supplant La 
Fayette in the good graces of the people: indeed, 
being a coarse, rough, man, he seemed more fit 
for the confidence of men, whose professed aim 
it was to level all distinctions, and who, therefore, 
required a commander who was hearty in the 
cause of anarchy. Santerre commanded a divi- 
sion of the national guard, and the riot of Vin- 
cennes served to show the two parties in their 
proper colours. La Fayette, the superior officer, 
opposed himself to the demolition, and Santerre 
opposed himself to La Fayette. A detachment 
of national guards which had been immediately 
sent to the spot, and drawn up for the protection 

3 B 



378 LIFE ^^^ LA FAYETTE. 

of the castle, became, from their artful remon- 
strances and entreaties, more disposed to assist 
than to repel the rioters. La Fayette, having heard 
that the work of destruction was begun, and the 
troops passive, repaired in person to Vincennes, 
expostulated with the soldiers, and brought them 
fo a sense of their duty. He then ordered them 
to attack the rabble without firing on them. Sixty 
were seized, and the rest dispersed. Many of 
the latter hastily repaired to the fauxbourg St. 
Antoine, exciting the populace to rescue the pri- 
soners. La Fayette, being told that it would be 
dangerous to march through that quarter of Paris, 
as the people were in insurrection, placed the 
prisoners in the middle, some field-pieces in front, 
and marched his troops, (with some municipal 
officers at the head of the column,) directly 
through the fauxbourg St. Antoine to the Hotel- 
de-Ville; and, while the mob insulted his troops 
with their exclamations, and even wounded one 
of his aids-de-camp, and some of the soldiers, 
by throwing stones, he lodged the prisoners in 
the Conciergerie^ without farther bloodshed.* 

La Fayette having thus decisively quelled the 
insurrection of the populace, found, on his return 
to Paris, that it was a necessary duty to oppose 
himself to the indiscreet friends of the king, who 

* Moore's View, ii, 125-6, r,™IIist. Jacob, i, 270-3.— Hist,. 
French Rev. i, 215. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 379 

had created a great disturbance at the Tuilleries 
during his absence. He found that the apart- 
ments were filled with several hundred armed 
men, who had been admitted, at a private door, 
by the first gentleman of the king's bed-chamber, 
and unknown to the national guards on duty at 
the palace. They declared that, fearing for the 
royal safety, they had assembled for the defence 
of the king; but the latter rebuked their indis- 
creet zeal; and, to satisfy the national guard, who 
were pecuharly irritated at their interference, he 
ordered that the intruders should be disarmed 
and dismissed. If this ceremony was performed 
a little roughly by the national guards, to the great 
displeasure of many who thought such treatment 
an ungrateful return for the zeal they had mani- 
fested, it must be ascribed to the jealous feelings 
which they had created. La Fayette himself did 
not arrive at the palace until after the order for 
disarming the intruders was issued; but he was 
exposed to the angry personal attacks directed 
against him by the suffering party. A part of the 
day had been employed in queUing the designs 
of the king's enemies, and it was now as neces- 
sary to oppose the king's friends. He found 
himself engaged in a quarrel with those of his 
own rank; and, before the eyes of his national 
guard, it was necessary to show, and even to affect, 
a rigor and severity which might attach no doubt 



380 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

to his conduct and opinions. This assemblage 
in the king's apartments, was variously stated to 
have been connected with external plans, of 
which La Fayette alone was ignorant, or, more 
probably, to have derived its source from the 
anxiety of some individuals for the king's safety.* 
The singular occurrences of the twenty-eighth 
of February created general distrust, and when 
the king signified his intention of passing the 
Easter holidays at St. Cloud, the populace con- 
sidered it as foreboding the flight of the king, and 
a counter-revolution. The king, however, per- 
sisted in his design, and on the eighteenth of 
April went into his coach, accompanied by the 
queen, the dauphin, and the princess Elizabeth. 
The populace immediately surrounded the car- 
riage, and clamorously insisted on thei^ majesties* 
return; but as they were surrounded by numerous 
detachments of the national guards, the king or- 
dered the postillions to drive on: instead of keep- 
ing off the crowd, the guards closed before the 
horses, threatened the postillions if they should 
dare to proceed, and swore they would not per- 
mit the royal family to leave Paris. The king's 
domestic servants, and other officers of his house- 
hold, were mal-treated, and the most insulting 
and abusive expressions were directed against the 
queen. Bailly, the mayor, hastened to the Tuil- 

* Moore's View, ii, 128-9, I30.—Toulong. Hist, i, £68-9. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 381 

levies to suppress the disorder;— but he was not 
listened to. S^a Fayette ordered the national 
guards to open to the right and left, to clear away 
the multitude, and allow the king's coach to pass. 
He was not obeyed. In vain did they oppose this 
phrenzy. A set of orators, better adapted to the 
ears of the common people, exclaimed, " If the 
king escapes, there will be a civil war, and the 
streets of Paris will be deluged with the blood 
of the citizens." The national guard refused to 
act; " We know," said the grenadiers, " that we 
are violating the law; but the safety of the coua- 
try is the first of laws."— In short, the king and 
royal family, after having been nearly two hours 
in the coach, exposed to the insults and derision 
of the multitude and of the mutinous soldiery, 
were under the necessity of getting out of the 
carriage and walking to the palace, amidst the 
groans, hootings, and hisses, of the multitude. 
La Fayette had arrived, at the first suggestion of 
danger. " If," said he to the king, " this be a 
matter of conscience with your majesty, we will, 
if it be necessary, die to maintain it;" and he of- 
fered immediately to open a passage by force; 
but the king declined a resort to arms.* 

The writers of all parties have done justice to 
the spirit and propriety which distinguished the 

* Toulong. Hist, i, 270— 2.— Hist. French Rev. i, 223-4.— North 
Am. Rev. No. xlvi, 161. 



S82 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

conduct of La Fayette, on this occasion. Disgust- 
ed at the shameful scene on the eighteenth, he 
sent in his resignation, observing, that since the 
national guards would no longer obey, he must 
cease to retain a command which was merely 
nominal. This event was no sooner known than 
all Paris was seized with a general consternation; 
nor could all the machinations of La Fayette's 
enemies prevent their soliciting, in a body, and 
under circumstances the most respectful to him, 
that he would reassume the command. It then 
appeared how much he was beloved by the troops 
which he commanded. All the battahons assem- 
bled, and appointed deputations to the general, 
expressing sorrow for their past conduct, and 
promising implicit obedience to his orders in fu- 
ture. They also sent deputations to the munici- 
pality and to the department entreating them to 
join in soliciting the general to resume the com- 
mand. — The hotel of La Fayette was filled with 
these different deputations, from the time that 
he had given in his resignation until the follow- 
ing morning at five o'clock. The street in which 
his house stood, was crowded with the troops, all 
waiting with impatience for the news of his hav- 
ing yielded to their entreaties; but, finding that he 
still refused, they went in crowds to the H6tel-de- 
Ville, and begged of the municipality to use their 
influence with the general. The municipality. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 383 

perceiving that citizens of all the sections joined 
in this request of the national guards, declared 
that they would become responsible for the future 
obedience of the battalions, and entreated the 
general to yield to the wishes of his fellow-citi- 
zens La Fayette expressed a proper sense of 

the honour conferred on him; adding, that he 
would not presume to give an immediate answer, 
but would, the following day, attend the munici- 
pality at the Hotel -de- Ville, and then deliver to 
them his sentiments. Accordingly, he appeared 
in the common hall at ten o'clock, where he 
found all the representatives of the common 
council, with deputies from all the battalions of 
national guards, assembled, and pronounced a 
discourse equally distinguished for modesty and 
good sense. He placed in a strong point of view, 
the horror which every enhghtened citizen must 
have felt, at beholding those whose duty it was 
to support the laws, oppose their execution. He 
added, that if the capital, which was the cradle 
of the revolution, instead of respecting and obey- 
ing the executive powers, should besiege them 
with tumults, and fatigue them with insults, it 
would, from being the honoured example^ become 
the terro7', of the French nation; and that, in the 
marks of regard with which his fellow-citizens 
had honoured hira, too much attention had been 
paid to an individual but not enough to the laws: 



384 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" In the affecting marks of attachment," said he, 
" that I have received, too much regard is shown 
to me, and too httle to the laws. I am feelingly 
convinced that my comrades love me; but I am 
still to learn, how far they are attached to those 
principles on which hberty is founded." — And he 
concluded by refusing to resume the command. 
When the refusal, and the observations, of the 
general, became known, it was resolved that each 
battalion should assemble the following day, and 
make a declaration of their sentiments on the 
subject pointed out in his discourse. This was 
accordingly done by all the different regiments; 
and, in their declarations, instead of expressing 
attachment to their general, and wishes that he 
should resume the command, they spoke solely 
of their submission to the law, their zeal for the 
constitution, and their resolution to obey the com- 
mander-in-chief, without once mentioning the 
name of La Fayette. — The municipality, having 
verified the declarations of the troops, decreed, 
that the mayor, at the head of a deputation of 
eight members of the common council, should 
wait on the general, and represent to him, that 
it would endanger the state if he persisted in his 
first resolution, and that the greatest proof of 
patriotism he could give, would be to resume the 
command. — It was impossible longer to resist— 
La Favette returned thanks to the mavor and the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 385 

deputation in becoming terms; and the day fol- 
lowing, having resumed the command, he ex- 
pressed his sense of the honour done him by the 
various corps; and, being then on the parade be- 
fore the H6tel-de-Ville, he proposed that they 
should go in a body to the king, taking with them 
all their comrades whom they might meet, and 
express their sorrow and repentance for what 
was past, and renew to his majesty, their decla- 
ration of allegiance. This proposal was directly 
adopted: La Fayette conducted them to the Tu- 
illeries; addressed the king, in the name of all the 
national guards, in the terms which had been 
agreed on; received a gracious reception and an- 
swer from the monarch; and, as soon as this was 
known, the troops expressed their satisfaction by 
repeated exclamations of " Vive le Roi! Vive le 
Restaurateur de la Liberte Francaise! Vive le 
Petit-Fils de Henri IV!"* 

This return of the national guards to a sense 
of their duty, was highly provoking to a set of 
men who, unhappily for France, were at this 
time concentrated in the capital, and who were 
continually endeavouring to create discord and 
confusion. Ihe instrumentality of La Fayette 
in effecting this object, increased the odium in 
which he was held by the fomenters of anarchy; 
and his agency in the dismission of fourteen sol- 

* Moore's View, ii, 167"— 171.— Hist. French Rev. i, 224. 
3 C 



SS6 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

diers of the national guard, who had been par- 
ticularly active in promoting the mutiny of the 
eighteenth, gave a fresh and violent impulse to 
their enmity. The discarded soldiers were feast- 
ed, and treated as persecuted patriots; while La 
Fayette was accused as an enemy of liberty, and 
of being bought by the court. Emissaries were 
also employed to blacken his character and mis- 
represent his conduct, among the groups of idlers 
in the places of public resort. Placards were 
posted up, and pamphlets published against him* 
At the Cordeliers, some men were heard to de- 
clare, that it would be meritorious to assassinate 
him; and, at the Fraternal Society, a woman, fired 
by the eloquence of these orators, and intoxicated 
with the spirit of patriotism, called him, among 
other bad names, a second Slsera, and swore that 
she would take the earliest opportunity of enter- 
ing his house, and driving a nail into his temples 
while he was asleep.* 

The capital was now kept in a continual state 
of agitation by the daring and unprincipled nien^ 
who had the direction of the numerous incendi- 
ary societies; until at length, the unhappy mo- 
narch, being in dread of the utmost violence from 
the increasing rancour of his enemies, resolved 
to endeavour to escape with his family, out of the 
kingdom, or, at least, to a garrisoned town on the 

*' Moore's View, ii, 172-3. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. gS7 

frontiers. On the night of the twentieth of June, 
1791, the royal family left the palace in disguise, 
by a private issue which communicated with the 
Carousel, crossed the Pont Royal, and, on the 
Quai des Theatins, found the carriages which 
were waiting for them. At Chalons, the king was 
recognised by the post-master, who, being a roy- 
alist, did not betray him; but at St. Menehould, 
the decisive blow was struck. He was there fully 
known by Drouet, a frantic revolutionist, who in- 
stantly determined to prevent his escape: he, 
however, allowed him to proceed to the next 
post, but despatched a courier, with the intelli- 
gence, to Varennes. Here the unhappy prince 
was arrested, and conducted, amid the most ex- 
cessive insults and torments, back to his capital. 
The greatest agitation followed the flight of the 
king, and when this unexpected news was com- 
municated to the assembly. La Fayette was ac- 
cused as the author of the plot; but he was de- 
fended by Barnave; and the assembly deputed 
six commissaries, with orders to rescue him from 
the hands of the mob, who threatened him with 
death. La Fayette was not a participator in that 
ill-judged event; nor, to such a man, were the 
powers of six commissaries at all necessary. But 
it cannot be denied that the general was placed 
in a most critical situation, and that it required 
all his popularity to preserve his life. The king 



S88 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

not having entrusted any one with his secret, 
no one felt himself called upon to defend him, 
and the co/e-(/m^ of the assembly, doubly injured 
by not having been informed of the plan, and by 
being left exposed to danger, openly complained 
of the monarch: thus all parties endeavoured to 
excite the spirit of the people, who, not knowing 
whom to blame, naturally directed their violence 
against the mayor and commander-in-chief, as 
negligent or faithless guardians of the public 
peace. La Fayette was placed in imminent peril: 
the fury of the populace against him was extreme, 
and nothing but the long and solid confidence 
which they had reposed in him, could have avert- 
ed the first transports of their rage. — The king 
left the palace about midnight; but La Fayette 
was ignorant of his departure until six o'clock in 
the morning. He immediately wrote to a few 
friends, whom he requested to meet at the Hotel- 
de-la-Rochefoucault, and then repaired to the 
H6tel-de-Ville. The fury of the people subsided, 
when they perceived the tranquillity and firm- 
ness with which he advanced alone, amid the 
shouts and roarings of a prodigious crowd. But 
uneasiness and indecision still prevailed, and 
some observations on the misfortune that had 
happened, which seemed to require an answer 
from La Fayette, furnished him with the oppor- 
tunity of saying to those who complained, " If 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

you call this event a misfortune^ what name would 
you give to a counter-revolution which would de- 
prive you of liberty?'' This observation revived 
the boldness of the discontented; and several 
voices cried out, " Let us make La Fayette our 
king;'' all within hearing clamorously repeated 
this observation. La Fayette, regarding them 
with a mingled look of pity and indignation, ex- 
claimed, ^' I thought that you possessed a better 
opinion of me. What have I do?ie, that you do 
not believe me fit for something better?" There- 
upon, the air was filled with loud shouts of " Long 
live the general!" and confidence and tranquillity 
were re-established. At this moment, the six 
commissaries arrived to protect him; but they 
found him sufficiently fixed in the public opinion 

to refuse any measures for his personal safety 

In the same hour, La Fayette was also attacked 
in the assembly: a member (ilewbell) remarked, 
immediately after the six commissaries were de- 
spatched to rescue the general, " M. de La Fay- 
ette is about to appear, and I request that he may 
be asked, whether he did not give, a month since, 
to the officers on guard in the palace, the coun- 
ter-sign not to permit any one to pass out after 
midnight: there must have been some motive for 

this precaution; and we ought to know if ." 

Here the speaker was interrupted by Barnave, 
who said. " I demand that the assembly shall no 



390 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

longer suffer this discourse to be continued, and 
that it be not permitted to raise injurious surmi- 
ses respecting men who have continually afforded 
proofs of their patriotism. Circumstances may 
arise, in which it is easy to cast suspicions on the 
sentiments of the best citizens; but the conduct 
of the commander of the national guard, since 
the commencement of the revolution, is a suffi- 
cient pledge that he merits all our confidence: it 
is our duty to testify it towards him, in the most 
signal manner." — Never was a vindication more 
triumphant, nor more generous. Barnave was 
at this time, and had* long been, on ill terms with 
La Fayette, and the rupture between them was 
notorious. It had excited considerable interest, 
and all correspondence had ceased between the 
parties. It was a truly republican motive which 
urged Barnave to undertake the defence of one 
who was absent, and inculpated in so grave an 
offence, when the defender might have exposed 
himself to the suspicions which it was attempted 
to cast on the commander-in-chief This just 
and generous action overpowered the assembly, 
and arrested an accusation, which would doubt- 
less have been repeated, if the first had been re- 
ceived. 

La Fayette was also openly accused by Dan- 
ton in the Jacobin club, of having assisted the 
flight of the king. He was defended by Lamith^j 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 391 

but, for a long time, vague suspicions rested on 
the conduct of the general. x\t that period, one 
party accused him of holding intelligence with 
the court; and the opposite side accused him of 
duplicity, having, as they said, caused the king to 
be arrested, after having facilitated his departure. 
" It is possible and probable," says Toulongeon, 
" that he winked at the departure of the queen, 
and that he was ignorant of that of the king. A 
great number of the best men desired the remo- 
val of the queen, as the only means of saving 
the king, herself, and the monarchy." It is true 
that he despatched a messenger after the royal 
family; and he could not possibly do otherwise, 
circumstanced as he was at that period: had he 
not done it, Paris would again have been devoted 
to the most dreadful outrages. His aid-de-camp, 
however, did not reach Varennes until after the 
royal fugitives had been arrested. When they 
returned to Paris, it was principally owing to the 
zeal, the courage, and the magnanimity of La 
Fayette, that they were not immediately destroy- 
ed. It was owing to him, that Paris was not a 
scene of horrible confusion: he had the boldness 
to declare in a debate in the national assembly^ 
" that if any violence was offered to the king, he 
would, at the head of the national guards, pro- 
claim Louis the seventeenth, king;" and this once 
more silenced the fury of democracy in Paris, 



SQ2 LIFE OF LA FATETTK. 

and restored order and submission to legislative 
authority. If the charge of having instigated the 
royal family to escape, for the purpose of after- 
guards arresting them, were founded in fact, no 
odium could be too great, no obloquy could at- 
tach a sufficiently just reprehension, for so cold- 
blooded a piece of duplicity. But the proof of 
his innocence is so incontrovertible, so positive 
and direct, that the mention of it must stamp an 
indelible impression on the mind of every maOj 
and clear him entirely from so foul a calumny. 
The test of his innocence was the unfortunate 
Marie Antoinette, who, being asked on her trials 
whether La Fayette had coiniived at their escape, 
positively answered, that he was totally ignorant 
of it.* 

The assembly was compelled, by the popular 
ferment, to declare that the king should be kept 
prisoner in the palace of the Tuilleries, until the 
constitution had been presented for his accept- 
ance. La Fayette as commander of the national 
guards, had the misfortune of being doomed to 
carry this decree into effect. But if, on the one 
hand, he placed sentinels at the gates of the pa- 
lace, he opposed, on the olher, with conscientious 

* Stael Consid French Rev. i, 410-11.— Hist. French Rev. i, 
227 — 233. — Wars French ReA% i, Introd, xcii. — Etienne Rev. 156 
— l60.™Senator. ix,;645, 659.— Moore's View, ii, 20«— Quart 
Rev. xxviii, 305— 8.— Toulong. Hist, ii, b, 28, Ap. 59, 115. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

energy, the party which endeavoured to pro- 
nounce the king fallen from his throne. He 
employed against those who pressed that mea- 
sure, the armed force in the Champ-de-Mars; 
and he thus proved, at least, that it was not from 
views of ambition that he exposed himself to the 
displeasure of the king, as he drew on himself, 
at the same time, the hatred of the enemies of 
the throne.* — On the motion of La Fayette in 
the assembly, a general amnesty was subsequent- 
ly granted to all those who had participated in 
the king's journey, or committed what could be 
called political offences: he also obtained a de- 
cree, enabling every individual to leave France, 
and return, without a passport. 

The unanimity which generally prevailed 
throughout France, from the time of the king's 
return to his acceptance of the constitution, was 
interrupted by a short, but disgraceful, riot at 
Paris. Several efforts had been unsuccessfully 
made by ill-disposed people to disturb the pub- 
lic tranquilhty; but on the morning of the seven- 
teenth of July, I79i,the magistrates were alarm- 
ed by the report that a large body of seditious 
persons were about to assemble in the Champ- 
de-Mars, the professed object of whom was to 
petition against the re-establishment of the king, 
a measure which the Jacobin club had been very 

* Stael Consid. i, 423. 

3d 



394 l^IFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

active to promote. A great crowd of people 
flocked to the altar of the federation, which had 
not yet been removed, there to sign the remon- 
strance, followed by a declaration that they never 
would submit to be governed by Lewis the six- 
teenth. At ten o'clock, M. de La Fayette arrived 
on the spot, and caused the barricades which had 
been erected, to be destroyed. — A wretch, named 
Fournier, had the audacity to fire at him, with a 
pistol, pointed almost at his breast: the man was 
instantly seized, but La Fayette, with a false gene- 
rosity, permitted him to be released, and he af- 
terwards boasted of the act at the bar of the con- 
vention. At length, the municipal officers who 
accompanied the general, obtained a promise from 
the mob that they would disperse; and a body of 
national guards was stationed to prevent their 
reassembling. — Several hours after, the munici- 
pality, who had met at the H6tel-de-Ville, were 
informed that the ferment was increasing, and 
that menacing plans against the national assembly 
were in agitation. At the same time, it was stated 
that two unfortunate persons, who had secreted 
themselves under the altar on which the signatures 
were received, had been murdered by the mob. 
Martial law was now formally proclaimed; and a 
red flag was displayed from a window of the 
H6tel-de-Yille. La Fayette immediately collected 
the national guard, and accompanied by the mu- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 395 

nicipal authorities, marched to the Champ-de- 
Mars. They found it crowded by a furious mul- 
titude, who, instead of dispersing, insulted the 
troops with loud cries of '^ A has le drapeau 
rouge! A has les bayonettesf' Stones were thrown 
at the troops and municipal officers, in volleys. 
M. Bailly, the mayor, desired the troops to halt, 
and, after the formalities which tlie law required, 
La Fayette ordered part of them to fire over the 
heads of the mob. When they perceived that 
none were wounded, it confirmed them in an 
opinion which they had formed, that neither the 
general nor the mayor had any incUnation to 
hurt them, and that they durst not fire with ball. 
From this idea they became more outrageous; 
the soldiers and some of the officers of the 
guards, were wounded; and they now received 
orders to fire with ball. Ten or twelve of the 
mob were killed, and a considerable number 
wounded. — The energy displayed by La Fayette 
in quelling this commotion, was generally ap- 
proved of, and heartily so by the national as- 
sembly: a greater degree of order and tranquillity 
than had been known for some time before in 
Paris, was the consequence of it.* 

On the thirtieth of September, 1791, the con- 
stituent assembly closed, and was succeeded by 

* Toulong. Hist, ii, 53-4.— Hist. French Rev, i, 236. — Moore's 
View, ii, 237". 



396 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the legislative assembly. Not only La Fayette, 
but the Lameths, Adrien Duport, Barnave, and 
other sincere friends of the constitution, which 
had now been accepted by the king, could not be 
members of the second assembly, by that most 
impolitic decree which excluded all who had been 
members of the first. La Fayette, particularly 
from the arrest and imprisonment of the king, 
was become more than ever the object of hatred 
to the loyalists; and as to the Jacobins, he had 
already provoked all their fury by his conduct 
towards the duke of Orleans, and from his caus- 
ing the companies of the insurgent regiments at 
^ianci, who were coming to Paris to raise the 
populace, to be arrested. From that moment, 
the Jacobins attacked him with increasing vio- 
lence: then Corypheus Marat, author of the 
" Friend of the People," constantly denounced 
him as the traitor La Fayette. The affair of the 
Champ-de-Mars brought this rage to its height: 
the republican party which then began to mani- 
fest itself, already wished to bring the king to 
trial, and united with the Jacobins, in opposition 
to La Fayette and the friends of the constitution. 
After the open attempt to assassinate their gene- 
ral, the national guard, especially the old French 
guard, grew furious: they imprecated the Jaco- 
bins, wished to destroy by a cannonade the club, 
which they called a cavern, and disperse the peo- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 397 

pie who frequented it. But La Fayette consist- 
ently opposed, and allayed, the ferment. 

When the constitution of 1791, was accepted by 
the king, in the spirit of Washington, he resigned 
all command, alleging that the emergency which 
required his services, was now over, and that, as 
he derived his powers from the revolution, those 
powers ought to cease with it. His situation in 
the national guards, which he had now complete- 
ly organised according to his orginal project, was 
filled by temporary commanders. The munici- 
pality of Paris caused a medal of gold to be 
struck in his honour, and presented him with 
a sword, and a marble bust of Washington. He 
had sacrificed a large part of his fortune for the 
revolution, but magnanimously declined any re- 
muneration for his losses. La Fayette now retired 
to his estate of Chavagnac in Auvergne, accom- 
panied by the esteem which his generous and 
disinterested conduct so well deserved. He was 
followed, as he had been for many years, by 
crowds wherever he went, and attended on his 
way by every form of popular enthusiasm and 
admiration.* 

Not long after this retirement, a circumstance 
occurred which served to put in motion the two 
parties which were shortly to divide the kingdom, 

*Nat. Gaz. Feb. 3, Sep. 13, 1824.— Moore's View, ii, 248.— 
Toulong. Hist, ii, 94, Ap. 25. — Biog. Notice, p. 10, 



398 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

the constitutionalists and the republicans; and the 
event might have shown in whose favour the ba- 
lance was likely to preponderate. The mayoralty 
of the judicious and patriotic M. Bailly, termi- 
nated in the month of November, 1791; and the 
once popular La Fayette appeared as a candidate 
to succeed him. He was opposed by Petion, a 
violent Jacobin, and a declared republican, on the 
one side, and, the king and queen, being preju- 
diced against him, by the whole influence of the 
court, on the other. It is almost unnecessary to 
state the issue of this unequal contest, and to add 
that Petion was elected mayor of Paris by a great 
majority. The small number of votes that La 
Fayette obtained was the source of great surprise 
to many people, when they considered his ardour 
in pursuit of the revolution, and his services to 
the people of Paris, which ought to have entitled 
him to their peculiar countenance and protection. 
But melancholy experience had evinced the in- 
creasing credit and power of the Jacobins, and it 
was evident that that pernicious society had not 
only gained the ascendency over the minds of 
the populace, but was enabled to control even the 
assembly itself. The government, in fact, was 
in their hands, if that may be called a govern- 
ment where the people are without control, and 
called to account for none of their actions^ — a 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 399 

government from which it was time for all ho- 
nest men to retire.* 

Quid est Catulle quod moraris emori? 
Sella in curuli struma Nonius sedet. 
Per consulatum pejerat Vatinius; ■* 

Quid est Catulle quod moraris emori? 

From the happy tranquillity to which he now 
gladly turned, La Fayette was soon called by the 
war with Austria, declared April twentieth, 179S, 
in which he was, at once, appointed one of the 
three major-generals to command the French 
armies: he soon after obtained the rank of lieu- 
tenant-general, and finally that of marshal of 
France, with a red ribband. Having received 
from the king the command of the army of the 
centre, destined to cover the frontier of Arden- 
nes, he took the field in the beginning of May, 
1793. La Fayette, together with Rochambeau 
and Luckner, had been previously summoned to 
Paris, to consult with the council; and La Fayette 
had greatly interested himself in bringing about 
a reconciliation amongst the ministers, whose dis- 
sensions had an evil effect on the public mind, 
and were likely to produce fatal consequences to 
the king. Notwithstanding the infamous combi- 
nation of tyrants, at the treaty of Pilnitz, and the 
provocation whicli had been given to the French 

*Bertrand's Mem. i, 259 — Letters from Paris, ii, 205.— Hist. 
French Rev. i, 263-4. — Toulongeon, ii, 94. 



400 I-^fFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

hation, La Fayette was one of those who thought 
it would have been more poUtic to have been less 
precipitate, and to have compelled Austria to ap- 
pear, in every view, in the character of an ag- 
gressor. Such was the opinion of a man, whose 
judgment was in general sound, and whose pa- 
triotism none but a violent and desperate faction 
has ever presumed to question. But, placed by 
the unanimous voice of his country at the head 
of the arms of France, he prepared to repel the 
invaders. 

Three separate bodies of troops were formed 
along the frontiers, from Switzerland to Dunkirk, 
under the direction of three commanders, enjoy- 
ing not only the reputation of great military ta-< 
lents, but also the confidence of the nation: these 
were La Fayette, Rochambeau, and Luckner. La 
Fayette, who commanded the army of the centre, 
fixed his head-quarters at Metz, and occupied 
Nancy, Thionville, and Luneville: he had up- 
wards of twenty thousand men at his disposal, 
and was so posted as to continue the line of de- 
fence from the Meuse to the Moselle. The gene- 
ral officers under his command were De Witt- 
geinstein, De Bellemont, Crillon, Parquet, and 
Defranc. It was a part of the plan concerted in 
the French cabinet, that all the troops should be 
in motion about the same time, and form, if pos- 
sible, a general rendezvous in the centre of the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 401 

Austrian Netherlands. Agreeably to this plan, 
La Fayette was to be at Givet by the thirtieth of 
April; and, although the orders only reached him 
on the twenty-fourth, and though he was in most 
respects Yery ill-appointed, he was, by great ex- 
ertions, enabled to provide seventy-eight pieces 
of cannon by the twenty-sixth, and, on the same 
day, despatched a large body with the convoy of 
artillery, to penetrate by forced marches to Givet. 
On the first of May, La Fayette's advance took 
post at Bouvines, half way to Kamur, and every 
thing appeared to promise success to the expe- 
dition. But the failure of the other parts of the 
grand army rendered it utterly fruitless, though 
Fayette continued to retain his post, and even 
slowly to advance upon the enemy. On the 
twenty-third of May, his advanced guard, under 
M. Gouvion, was attacked at Hamphine, near 
Florennes, by a force, as it afterwards appeared, 
superior to his own, which only amounted to 
three thousand men. The Austrian advanced 
guard was twice repulsed; but M. Gouvion, ob- 
serving the great superiority of the enemy, effect- 
ed a retreat with the greatest regularity. — The 
next action in which this army was engaged took 
place on the eleventh of June, when the Aus- 
trians attacked the advanced guard of La Fayette, 
at Griselle near Maubeuge; but M. Gouvion, 
aware of their design, began a retreating fight, 

3 E 



402 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

in which his infantry was constantly covered by 
the hedges, and the enemy's columns suffered 
considerably from his cannon. As soon as the 
news arrived at the camp, La Fayette sent !M. 
Narbonne with a considerable reinforcement on 
the flank of the enemy, while he himself advanced 
with the main army. The Austrians abandoned 
the field, and a part of their killed and wounded, 
to the French, who pursued them more than a 
league beyond the ground of their advanced 
guard, which again took possession of its former 
post. Though this action was crowned with vic- 
tory, it was yet unfortunate for France, as it de- 
prived the nation of one of its ablest generals 
and firmest patriots: Gouvion, the bosom-friend 
of Fayette both in America and Europe, was 
killed by the oblique stroke of a reflected ball.* 
At this period, the voice of La Fayette was 
again heard crying out in the cause of justice and 
humanity. He had commenced a reorganization 
of the army, improved the discipline, introduced 
simplicity in the military administration, formed 
bodies of light artillery, established military coun- 
cils, and courts-martial; and in a word, he had 
exerted all his abilities in disciplining his troops, 
and supplying their necessities. But the treat- 
ment of prisoners had been such as to call forth 

* Hist. French Rev. li, 6, 12— 14— Bert, Mem, ii, 59, 81.— 
Wars Rev. i, 7, 9, 10,— Toulong. Hist, ii, 120. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 403 

his loudest censure, until prisoners of war were 
placed, by an express law, under the safe-guard 
of the nation. " The infamous conduct," said 
La Fayette in his despatches to the minister of 
war, " which has been exercised towards prison- 
ers of war, demands, sir, exemplary vengeance. 
It is not the enemy, but the French army, that 
demands it. The universal indignation which 
reigns among us, authorises me to declare, that 
brave soldiers are unwilUng to fight, if their van- 
quished enemies are to be cast into the fangs of 
cowardly cannibals."* 

At this period, the thread of court intrigue was 
so ravelled, that history can hardly follow it: the 
unhappy king was successively, the object, the 
tool, and the victim, of it. Too suspicious to 
abandon himself to any party, and too feeble to 
master them all,— the Girondists offered him their 
services — the Mountain threatened him — the Ja- 
cobins openly insulted him — the Feuillans obeyed 
him with fear and without confidence — the secret 
council of the queen promised to baffle them all 
— and foreign agents, watching all parties, having 
spies in all, knowing every thing, and opposing 
each other, were alone successful in their aim, — 
to create disorder and destruction. Open war 
was declared between the legislative and the ex- 
ecutive powers; and was pushed to such an ex- 

* Toulong. Hist, ii, 125, Ap. 71. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

tremity, that La Fayette, who had now become 
the butt of every faction, believed it his duty to 
make a powerful effort, and prove the strength 
of his former popularity. Violences, of almost 
every degree of atrocity, were become common, 
and that public order, of which he had never 
ceased to speak on all suitable occasions, no 
longer existed. He felt that, under these circum- 
stances, his silence would be an abandonment of 
the principles to the support of which he had 
devoted his life^ and, with a courage which few 
men in any age have been able to show, and with 
a temperance, which has always kept his conduct 
on one even line, he wrote the far-famed letter 
to the convention, dated from the entrenched 
camp of Maubeuge, sixteenth June, 1793, in 
which he drew a very formidable picture of the 
dangerous situation in which the nation was 
placed by the attempts of its enemies, both fo- 
reign and domestic, and plainly and without re- 
serve, denounced the growing faction of the 
Jacobins, and called on the constituted authori- 
ties to put a stop to the atrocities which they 
were openly promoting: " Can you dissemble 
even to yourselves," said he, " that a faction, 
(and to avoid all vague denunciations,) the Jaco- 
bin faction^ have caused all these disorders? It is 
that society which I boldly denounce: organised 
like a separate empire in the metropolis, and in 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 405 

its affiliated societies, and blindly governed by 
some ambitious leaders, this society forms a to- 
tally distinct corporation in the midst of the 
French nation, whose powers it usurps, by tyran- 
nizing over its representatives, and constituted 
authorities." In the course of this letter, he 
dared to say, " Let the royal authority be un- 
touclied for it is guaranteed by the constitution; 
let it be independent, for its independence is one 
of t}ie springs of our liberty; let the king be re- 
vered, for he is invested with the majesty of the 
nation; let him choose a ministry which wears 
the chains of no faction; and if traitors exist, let 
them perish under the sword of the law." He, 
at the same time, addressed a letter to the king, 
expressive of similar sentiments.* 

There was not another man in France who 
would have dared to take such a step, at such a 
time; and it required all La Fayette's vast influ- 
ence to warrant him in expressing such opinions 
and feelings, or to protect him afterwards. The 
agitation produced by this letter was extreme, 
and the proceedings of the disaffected of gloomy 
portent. At first the Jacobins seemed to shrink 
from a contest with La Fayette; they had hereto- 
fore spared, because they feared, and even hoped 
to gain, him: hoping no more to be able to tri- 

*Toulong. Hist, ii, 148--159, Ap. 121.— Hist. French Rev. ii, 
22.— Nortk Am. Rev. Januarj, 1825, p. 162-3. 



406 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

umph over his principles, they vowed his destruc- 
tion; and their oaths of that description had never 
been taken in vain. The meeting of the Jaco- 
bins on the eighteenth of June, was tumultuous 
and outrageous in the highest degree. They pro- 
posed that La Fayette should be sent to Orleans 
as a traitor, and the most acceptat)le motion that 
was made was, that a price should be set on his 
head, and that chaque citoyen put courir sus; — 
that is to say, that any body that pleased might 
murder him. While such were the debates within 
doors, at the hall of the Jacobins, their emissa- 
ries without were busily employed in exciting the 
people to insurrection, and the occurrences of 
the twentieth of June too plainly evinced the 
success of their endeavours. — When La Fayette's 
letter was read, Vergniaux represented that the 
remonstrances of a general at the head of an 
army to the assembly, had the appearance of an 
attempt to overawe the legislature. Gaudet 
ironically remarked, that the letter was so much 
in the style of Cromwell, that it could not pos- 
sibly be written by La Fayette. They began, 
therefore, by denying its authenticity; they de- 
clared it, in short, a forgery.* 

On tlie twentieth of June, the excitement pro- 

* Noith Am. Rev. January, 1825, p. 163. — Toulong. Hist, ii, 
150-1. — liist. French Rev. ii, 23.— Moore's Journal, p. 115. — 
Moore's View, ii, 280-1. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 407 

duced by the machinations of the Jacobins, broke 
out in the most disgraceful manner. T'wenty 
thousand men of the lowest rank, armed with 
pikes and lances, marched to the Tuilleries with- 
out knowing why; — they were ready to commit 
every crime, or could be persuaded to the noblest 
actions, according to the impulse of events, and 
of their leaders. These twenty thousand men 
made their way into the palace; and their savage 
oaths mingled with cries, their threatening ges- 
tures, and deadly implements, exhibited a fright- 
ful spectacle. Louis XVI on this day showed all 
the virtues of a saint, and a degree of courage 
which had been supposed wholly incompatible 
with his character. The time was past for saving 
himself like a hero; but neither the threats nor 
howHngs of this insolent mob could humble nor 
intimidate him; but he was under the necessity 
of wearing the red cap, the symbol of the Jaco- 
bins and the dreadful signal of massacre, which 
was placed on his head by the hands of a man 
inebriated with liquor, and ejaculating the most 
terrible oaths. — The assembly, ashamed of its 
auxiliaries, sent several of the deputies to save 
the royal family; and, at length, in consequence 
of a long and animated speech, delivered by 
Vergniaud, the populace was persuaded to retire.* 

*De Stael Consid. vol. ii, 47-8.— Wars French Rev. i, 20, 21. 
—•Hist. French Rev. ii, 25. 



40S LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

General La Fayette, indignant at what was pass- 
ing at Paris, left his array to appear at the bar of 
the assembly, and demand justice for the terrible 
day of twentieth June, 179S. He was a consti- 
tutional general, and whatever prospect of suc- 
cess appeared, it was his duty to take that dan- 
gerous, but patriotic, step. He passed two days 
in securing the position of his army during his 
absence, and set out for Paris. In passing through 
Soissons, he saw the administrative body, who 
praised his devotion to the country, predicted its 
inutility, and advised him of his danger. On the 
twenty-eighth of June, he arrived alone, and 
alighted at the hotel of La Hochefoucault, where 
he was immediately waited on by several batta- 
lions of the national guards. A tree of liberty, 
ornamented with ensigns and cockades was plant- 
ed before his door, and every circumstance evinc- 
ed the return of affection in the people to their 
former friend and benefactor. The news of his 
arrival gave satisfaction to all the lovers of order 
and of the constitution, and struck the Jacobins 
with alarm. It was believed either that his army 
was in full march after him, or that he was as- 
sured of such support in the capital itself, as 
would enable him to accomplish the object of his 
visit. When the king heard of the demand that 
he was about to make to the convention, he form- 
ed very high expectations relative to the success 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 409 

of that measure: but they were not of long dura- 
tion — La Fayette appeared at the bar unattended, 
with that confidence and dignity which integrity 
alone can give. Had the Girondists at this time 
joined him and his friends, they might perhaps 
still have prevented the entrance of foreign 
troops, and restored to the king that constitutional 
authority which was his due. The discourse, 
pronounced by the general, was replete vdth en- 
ergy and patriotism, and as strong as the circum- 
stances exacted. He avowed his letter of the 
sixteenth, and assigned as a reason for his ap- 
pearance among them, the shame and indigna- 
tion of the army at the outrage of the twentieth, 
which, he said, must have increased to an alarm- 
ing degree, had he not thought it his duty to 
moderate their resentment against the factions 
of Paris, by assuring them that he would appear 
alone before the representatives of the nation, 
and demand, in their name, that order, obedi- 
ence, and respect for the laws, should be restored, 
[n the name, therefore, of that army, as well as 
of all good citizens, he demanded " the punish- 
ment of the instigators and executors of the vio- 
lence of the twentieth, the suppression of the 
Jacobin societies, and that the assembly would 
take measures for preventing all attempts against 
the constitution from internal enemies, while the 
army was repeUing foreign foes from the fron- 

3 F 



410 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

tiers." He closed his speech bywords which 
well became him; " Such are the representations 
submitted to the assembly by a citizen, whose 
love for liberty at least, will not be disputed." — 
His discourse was received with applause, and the 
president invited him to the honour of a sitting. 
The consternation which prevailed for a short 
time, was dispelled by Gaudet, who stepped 
quickly to the tribune, and in a dexterous dis- 
course, inveighed against the general for leaving 
the army, described the distrust which his coun- 
sels ought to excite in the legislative assembly, 
and desired that the minister of war might be 
questioned whether general La Fayette had, or 
had not, obtained permission to leave his post. 
This produced a debate; and several severe 
speeches were made by those who would have 
remained over-awed, had not Gaudet began in 
the bold manner he did. The noise and cry of 
question now became pretty general; — when the 
appeal nominal threw out Gaudet's motion by 
three hundred and thirty-nine against two hun- 
dred and thirty- four.* 

This bold step of La Fayette's was attended 
with no success: on the contrary, it served to ac- 
celerate his downfall. The Jacobins redoubled 

*De Stael Consid. ii, 48, 9.— -Toul. Hist ii, 179— Moore's 
View, ii, 282.— Bertrand's Mem. ii, 331.— -Hist. French Rev. ii, 
2r.— Lett, from Paris, ii, 58. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 411 

their activity in rendering him odious to the popu- 
lace. The name of Cromwell was echoed from 
every press; but when Gaudet revived the recol- 
lection of the same man, dictating in the name of 
his army laws to the representatives of his coun- 
try, the assembly were perfectly aware that they 
had neither tyrant nor soldier before them, but a 
virtuous citizen, who could not tolerate crimCj 
under whatever banner it might pretend to range 
itself. The efforts of the Jacobins with the mob 
were effectual, and La Fayette, finding, after 
fruitless efforts to assemble the national guards, 
that no good was to be effected in Paris, left that 
city on the thirtieth of June, and returned im- 
mediately to his army. Before his departure, 
he waited on the king, who thanked him for the 
step he had taken, but did not profit by his fiu^- 
ther offers of service. His effigy was burnt the 
same evening at the Palais-Royal; his conduct 
was represented in the journals as high treason; 
he was called a liberticide and a second Crom- 
well, mth this difference, that he acted in concert 
with the king against the liberty of the people; 
and he was accused of having proposed to march 
with his army to Paris. 

When La Fayette reacheil the army, he found 
that it, also, was now infected: he endeavoured 
to assure himself of its fidelity, and proposed to 
the soldiers to swear anew to the constitution. 



412 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

A very large proportion refused, and it imme- 
diately became apparent, from the movements, 
both at Paris and in the army, that he was no 
longer safe. His adversaries, who were deter- 
mined and interested to ruin him, were his judges; 
and they belonged to a party, which was never 
known to devote a victim without consummating 
the sacrifice. It was not long before Brissot pre- 
pared to denounce him to the assembly, and de- 
mand against him a decree of accusation; " I am 
grieved," he remarked, " at this affair, for no one 
esteems him more than I do; but why has he de- 
clared himself hostile to the Jacobins?" The re- 
sentment of this party appeared, for the present, 
to be principally directed against La Fayette. His 
consistency had mortally offended these factious 
spirits; they had tempted him with the highest 
bribes, and the most splendid promises, — but he 
proved inflexibly attached to the constitutional 
party, and determined to fall with the constitution. 
The spirit which he evinced in his late fruitless 
journey to Paris, determined them to exert them- 
selves to procure his immediate dismission; their 
clubs had been employed for weeks in debates on 
his treason, and innumerable inflammatory ad- 
dresses were presented to the assembly against 
him. The decision upon the charges against La 
Fayette was deferred to the eighth of August, 
when a long and tumultuous debate took place. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 41 S 

The report of the committee concluded by pro- 
posing a decree of accusation, and was highly 
applauded by the mob in the galleries. At length 
the motion for the decree was rejected by four 
hundred and six voices against two hundred and 
twenty-four. It was evident, from this decision, 
that the assembly, weak and incompetent as it 
was, still preserved some share of decency in 
its character and proceedings: but the Jacobins 
had made their party certain; the mob were com- 
pletely devoted to them, and they hoped to carry, 
by their force, the boldest measures.* The very 
day subsequent jl) the acquittal of La Fayette, 
(the ninth of August,) the assembly, in conse- 
quence of the proceedings of the Jacobins, de- 
clared its sessions " no longer free. '^^ 

Meanwhile the general was using his utmost 
efforts in support of constitutional authority. 
Early in the month of August, he despatched 
one of his aids-de-camp to Paris, proposing to 
the king and royal family to take refuge at Com- 
peigne, with his army. This was the best and 
safest course; but the persons who possessed the 
confidence of the king and queen hated M. de 
La Fayette as much as if he had been an outra- 
geous Jacobin. The aristocrats of that time pre- 
ferred running every risk to obtain the re-estab- 
lishment of the old government, to the accept- 

* North American Review, January, 1825— Hist. French Rey. 
ii, 39. 



414 J-1?K OF LA FAYETTE. 

aiice of efficient aid under the condition of adopt- 
ing with sincerity the principles of the revolution; 
that is, a representative government. The offer 
of La Fayette was then refused, and the king 
submitted to the dreadful risk of awaiting the 
German troops at Paris.* 

The tenth of August, 1792, soon arrived, a day 
replete with horror: a revolution then overthrew 
the monarchy, and gave a final blow to the power 
of the constitutional party. The palace was 
stormed by a furious mob, the most atrocious 
murders committed, the king and royal family 
pursued to the national assembly, to which they 
had fled for safety, where the legislative body was 
compelled to supersede the king in order to save 
his life. For many days the phrenzy of the 
populace raged with unbounded violence, savage 
and dreadful in its effects. This absurd rage 
was not confined to living objects of resentment. 
They barbarously demoHshed every vestige of 
art which had the remotest relation to monarchy 
or aristocracy: among others, the bust of La Fay- 
ette was sought for, with a ridiculous assiduity, 
and demolished.! 

The suspension and imprisonment of the king 
produced great astonishment in the armies; par- 

*De Stael's Consid, ii, 56-7".— -Toulong. Hist, ii, 200.— Bertr. 
Mem. ii, 333--5. 

t Hist. French Rev. ii, 60, &c. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 415 

ticulaily in that commanded by La Fayette, who, 
by the sudden change of his position, appears to 
have meditated some important project, now ren- 
dered abortive by the new revolution. He was 
posted, at this critical moment, at Sedan, at the 
head of twenty-eight thousand men. As strenu- 
ously opposed to the tyranny of the Jacobins, as 
he was adverse to the despotism of the court, the 
general determined to support, with all his ener- 
gies, the cause of the captive monarch, whose 
power had been rendered legitimate by the sanc- 
tion of the constitution and the oaths of the peo- 
ple. He called a council of war, to which he 
summoned every officer commanding a battalion, 
and finding among them a ready assent to the 
measures proposed by him, he immediately pub- 
lished a proclamation, in which he declared not 
only his own dissent, but that of the troops un- 
der his command, to the recent events that had 
occurred in the capital. But the national assem- 
bly had already anticipated the defection of La 
Fayette's array, and recurred to measures calcu- 
lated either to gain the commander, or induce 
the troops to desert him. On the night of the 
twelfth August, they accordingly despatched three 
commissioners to the army, to counteract the 
movements of the general. La Fayette was ac- 
cidentally apprised of these proceedings; and, 
after stating the facts to the magistrates of Sedan, 



416 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

he advised them, in duty to the king and consti- 
tution, to arrest the commissioners, who, on their 
arrival there, were accordingly imprisoned. — In 
the mean time La Fayette returned to camp, and 
immediately distributed among the battalions an 
energetic and decisive letter, declaring the de- 
struction of the constitution by a banditti, and the 
deposition of the king. " Citizens," he concluded, 
" you are no longer represented; the national as- 
sembly are in a state of slavery; your armies are 
without leaders; Petion reigns; the savage Danton 
and his satellites are masters. Thus, soldiers, it 
is your province to examine whether you will 
restore the hereditary representative to the throne, 
or submit to the disgrace of having a Petion for 
your king." — When this communication was first 
made to the soldiery, they announced, by their 
rage and exclamations, that they were actuated 
by that indignation which their leader was so de- 
sirous to excite. La Fayette had every reason 
to suppose that all the armies participated in this 
feeling; but he was mistaken. No sooner were 
the assembly informed of his defection, and of the 
arrest of their commissioners, than they imme- 
diately deprived him of the command, and nonii- 
nated Dumourier the commander-in-chief, who 
received orders to march against the constitution- 
al general. But this measure was soon rendered 
unnecessary: three new deputies had been de- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 417 

spatched to procure the liberation of their pre- 
decessors, while a great number of emissaries 
received secret orders to repair to La Fayette's 
canlp, and debauch the fideUty of his soldiers; in 
which they were too successful.* 

La Fayette laboured in vain, for some time, 
to dissemble the critical situation in which he was 
placed. To have marched directly to Paris, would 
have exposed the king and his family to certain 
destruction; and, in erecting the standard of revolt 
in the provinces, he would have been opposed by 
the other armies, and a civil war must inevitably 
have followed. In addition to these considera- 
tions, France was, at this moment, pressed on all 
sides by the enemy, and the idea of a capitula- 
tion with the presumptuous invaders of his coun- 
try, struck him with ^lorror. He was resolved, 
therefore, whatever might occur, neither to leave 
the frontiers destitute of defence, nor to lose his 
reputation by means of a disgraceful compact. 
But the oath which he had taken to support the 
constitutional king, marked out a line of conduct 
from which he could not honourably swerve. He 
formed a plan to rally around him the neighbour- 
ing departments, and to form, with some of the 
members of the constituted authorities, a kind 
of congress, to which he expected that many op- 

* Vy^ars French Rev. i, 45, 51.— Hist. Rev. ii. 63.-- Toulong. 
Hist, ii, 267. 

3 G 



418 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

position members of the legislative body would 
unite themselves. Supported by the civil power, 
and seconded by the armies of the Moselle and 
the Rhine, he might have organised a powerful 
opposition, and re-established the constitution. 
Bot every circumstance necessary to the success 
of Us project, failed together: the enemy, on the 
threshold of the empire, concentrated all his pow- 
er; the versatile conduct of the king and court de- 
stroyed all confidence, and rendered all his mea- 
sures ineffectual; and the habits of the soldiery, 
had taught them to know no other power but the 
decrees of the assembly: every thing concurred 
in crushing an enterprise which the rapidity of 
events had not afforded him time to mature, 
whose success, if only partial, might have opened 
the gates of the frontiers to*the enemy, and which 
it was impossible, after the events of the tenth of 
August, completely to effect. His own army now 
divined the predicament in which he was placed, 
and a general consternation began to prevail in 
his camp. Those regiments which had been loud- 
est in their acclamations, announced by their con- 
duct that their fidelity was beginning to waver; 
others murmured at their lot, and lamented their 
situation. It was also propagated with equal art 
and success, that a decree of accusation had been 
promulged against their commander; that disobe- 
dience to his orders had now become a duty; and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 41 9 

that to recognize him any longer was to violate 
the laws.* 

Notwithstanding the prevalence of these senti- 
ments, a generous feeling seemed still to actuate 
the hearts of an army that had already resolved to 
abandon its general, and both time and opportu- 
nity were afforded him to provide for his safety. 
In a consultation with his friends, it was on all 
sides, allowed that it had become impossible to 
support the vigorous measures which they had 
determined to pursue, as they were abandoned 
by the whole nation, and even by their own 
troops. Immediate flight now became necessary 
to those who had but so lately hoped to decide 
the fate of an empire. However inevitable the 
measure, it was with reluctance that La Fayette 

* Toulong. Hist. France, ii, 269, ZO.—Hist. Wars, Fr. Rev. i, 
51, 2, 3. 

"J^ational Assembly, August 17, 1792. 
" Decree of accusation against M. La Fayette. 

" I. It appears to this assembly, that there is a just ground for 
accusation against M. La Fayette, heretofore commander of the 
army of the north. 

" II. The executive power shall, in the most expeditious manner 
possible, carry the present decree into execution; and all consti- 
tuted authorities, all citizens, and all soldiers, are hereby enjoined, 
by every means in their power, to secure his person. 

" III. The assembly forbids the army of the north, any longer 
to acknowledge him as a general, or to obey his orders; and strict- 
ly enjoins that no person whatsoever shall furnish any thing to the 
troops, or pay any money for their use, but by the orders of M. 
Dumourier." 



420 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

consented to embrace it: he was not ignorant of 
the dangers which accompanied it, but he hoped, 
at all events, to be able to ensure the safety of 
his companions, and to appear rather unfortunate 
than culpable in the eyes of mankind. He ac- 
cordingly resolved on the night of the iUth Au- 
gust, 1792, to set out, before the dawn of day 
should exhibit once more the discontent of an 
army formerly so much attached to him, and 
which still respected his misfortunes. He mount- 
ed his horse, accompanied by Latour-Maubourg, 
the friend of his youth; — Alexandre Lameth, for- 
merly his enemy, but now determined to partici- 
pate in his fate; and Bureau de Puzy, three times 
president of the constituent assembly. When he 
arrived at Bouillon, he sent back his escort, and 
wrote from thence orders for the different posts 
occupied by his army, so as to secure its safety. 
None of the refugees attempted to seduce a sin- 
gle battalion to desert, and by such base and in- 
glorious means, ensure the favour of the enemy; 
on the contrary, it was their sole wish to retire 
to some distant country, and hope for better days.* 
The prime and immediate motive of La Fay- 
ette, in retreating from his army, was to avoid the 
decree of accusation which had converted his ad- 
versaries into his judges. He hoped to pass the 
posts of the enemy without being discovered, and 

* TouloTig. Hist, ii, 271.— Wars, Rev. i, 54. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 421 

thus gain the territory of the republic of Holland. 
He was not driven, by the enemies of liberty, 
from the land on which he had been one of the 
first to endeavour to confer that blessing; it was 
in the name of that very liberty, that a party, 
rather opposed to him in principles than opini- 
ons, and still more in measures than in principles, 
accused and proscribed him: and he was accused 
and proscribed for having endeavoured to save 
and defend the party from whom he had conquer- 
ed that liberty. His situation was without exam- 
ple in history. Marius fled from the proscrip- 
tions of Sylla, his rival and personal enemy; the 
whigs and the tories, the Guelphs and the Gibe- 
lins upheld opposite and fixed parties and opini- 
ons; — they hated each other, because their efforts 
were directed to opposite ends; they were rather 
adversaries than enemies. In the present case, 
the question was only a choice of measures, to 
arrive at the same admitted point, — public liberty; 
but, as, in matters of religion, the intolerance of 
seism is more active and cruel than that of sect, 
so the rivalry between sections of the same par- 
ty, was more 'bitter than between different par- 
ties. — The fate of the brave, disinterested, and 
patriotic La Fayette, is little calculated to exalt 
our opinions of human nature: on the one hand, 
we behold him abandoned by the people for whom 
he had made so many sacrifices; on the other, 



422 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

opposed by a combination of kings, while his at- 
tachment to the cause of constitutional monarchy 
was the source of his calamity. If he had erred, 
his error was the error of a young and ingenu- 
ous mind, which, in its ardent zeal for the liberty 
and happiness of his fellow-creatures, did not 
permit him to distinguish what was practicable, 
from what w^as merely speculative and visionary. 
If, as it has been said, a more temperate and 
mature judgment would, probably, have led him 
to oppose that fatal degradation of the executive 
power, which finally proved the ruin of authority, 
of government, and of order, in France, still he 
was no more to blame than the rest of the con- 
stituent assembly; and though, in his judgment, 
he may have erred, it must be admitted that he 
was always consistent in his principles. Faithful 
to his oath, to his king, and to his engagements, 
he was among the first to oppose all seditious 
designs, and among the most distinguished of 
those who contended for the maintenance of or- 
der and civil obedience.— To have received with 
cordiality, the illustrious supporter of regulated 
liberty, would have been noble and magnanimous; 
— to imprison and persecute virtue and valour in 
distress, was mean and dastardly: but, from Tibe- 
rius to the present times, cowardice has been, the 
uniform character of tyranny.* 

* Toulong. Hist, ii, 272-3. — Hist. Rev. France, iij 67. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 423 

When La Fayette diminished his escort, he set 
out with seven companions,* and arrived, after a 
rapid journey, in the neighbourhood of an ad- 
vanced guard of Austrians. It was extremely 
dark, and their horses being greatly fatigued by 
the march, as well as a heavy rain, they found it 
impossible to' proceed further; nor could they, 
from the same cause, retrace their steps, laying 
aside the risk of pursuit from the French. It 
was, therefore, necessary to carry a bold front, 
and endeavour to obtain permission to pass, with- 
out discovering their ranks and names. Colonel 
de Puzy advanced, and requested to speak with 
the officer commanding at Rochefort. Lieutenant- 
colonel count D'Harnoncourt, who held the com- 
mand, wishing to send Puzy, as all emigrants had 
heretofore been, to the duke de Bourbon, com- 
mander of the neighbouring posts, the colonel 
replied that his companions and himself ought not 
to be confounded with the emigrants who bore 
arms against their country; that they were patri- 
otic officers, attached to the constitutional laws, 
who had, in fact, left the army, and who demand- 
ed permission to seek an asylum in a country 
which was not at war with France. D'Harnon- 
court, detaining Puzy, sent orders to the rest to 

* These were Louis and Victor Latoiir Maubourg, Bureau-de_ 
Puzy, Alexandre Lameth, Auguste Masson, Rene Fillet, and Car- 
^ dignan. 



424 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

advance; which measure was unavoidable. They 
were conducted to an inn, where I>a Fayette was 
immediately recognised. The commandant then 
told them that it would be impossible to depart 
before the next day: Puzy, at once, entrusted him 
with their names, which, however, he already 
knew, and which produced nothing but some 
empty expressions of respect. In the mean time, 
a number of Austrian hussars arrived, and the 
commandant informed his prisoners, that, before 
they could proceed, it was requisite to obtain per- 
mission from the commandant at Namur. Puzy 
accompanied the officer who was despatched to 
that place. When the commandant heard that 
La Fayette was taken, he burst forth into the 
most extravagant expressions of joy, and refused 
to grant the passports which Puzy demanded. 

On the twenty-first of August, the prisoners 
were conducted to TSTamur, where the command- 
ant, the marquis de Chasteler, informed La Fay- 
ette that prince Charles had been commissioned 
by their royal highnesses to converse with him 
respecting the situation of France; and insinuated 
that, considering the just cause of complaint he 
had against his country, it was expected that he 
would exliibit some marks of it. " I know not," 
replied the general, " vv^hether such a commission 
has been given; but i do not think that any one 
will dare to deliver it to me." At that moment. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 425 

prince Charles entered. His obliging conversa- 
tion was scarcely replied to by the prisoners; and 
when it was requested that the general officers 
should remain alone together, they became en- 
tirely dumb. " I think," said M. de Chasteler, 
" that the situation in which we are placed is pain- 
ful to all parties; and that this visit had better be 
closed." And, after the usual salutations, the 
commissioner departed. 

At Nivelle, they were visited by an Austrian 
major, commissioned to receive the treasure 
which, it was supposed, La Fayette had secured, 
and which, he remarked, would be sequestered 
in behalf of his Chistian majesty: ^' All that I un- 
derstand of this strange commission," said La 
Fayette to the major, " is, that, had he been in my 
place, M. the duke of Saxe Teschen would have 
stolen the military chest of the army." Their 
portmanteaus, however, were searched, and not 
more than the amount of two months' pay, for 
each officer, found in them. 

Thus were these distinguished men exposed 
to the greatest indignities, because they had been 
the friends of the constitution, instead of being 
treated as prisoners of war, which was the only 
quality in which they could have been justly ar- 
rested and detained. A correspondence had ta- 
ken place with regard to them, between the 
courts of Berlin and Vienna; and it was deter- 

S H 



426 .LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

mined that they should be given up to the Prus- 
sians, as their fortresses were nearer, and were 
supposed to be able to receive and guard them 
more conveniently. They were accordingly con- 
ducted like criminals, in a common cart, to Wesel 
on the Rhine, where they were insulted in the 
most savage manner by the populace. Here they 
were put in irons, and confined in separate cells 
of the castle: they were attended by non-com- 
missioned officers, who received strict orders 
never to permit them to remain for a single mo- 
ment out of sight, nor to answer any questions 
that were put to them. 

La Fayette, Puzy, and Maubourg, experienced 
a long series of sufferings, and the most barba- 
rous usage. Transferred successively to Magde- 
burg, Glatz, Neisse, and Olmutz; deprived of the 
first necessaries of life; debarred from all com- 
munication with each other; — the hatred of their 
persecutors, in the refinement of its revenge, 
lost sight of policy altogether. It cried aloud, that 
this excess of barbarity was a warning to all those 
who maintained similar opinions, that safety de- 
pended solely on the power of their arms, and 
that the implacable passions of kings left no room 
for negociation. 

During his confinement at Wesel, it was inti- 
mated to La Fayette, by order of the king of 
Prussia, that his situation would be meliorated. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 4^7 

provided he would draw up plans against France; 
but La Fayette exhibited, in an energetic answer, 
his scorn of such a proposition. Hence, the ri- 
gour of his confinement was increased; and he, 
and his companions, were soon after thrown into 
a wagon, and conveyed to the dungeons of Mag- 
deburg. The most brutal care was taken that 
they should learn nothing respecting their fami- 
lies, concerning whose fate they experienced the 
most anxious solicitude, in consequence of the 
proscriptions that prevailed in France. They re- 
mained during a whole year at Magdeburg, in a 
dark and humid vault, surrounded by high pal- 
lisades, shut up by means of four successive 
doors, fortified by iron bars, and fastened with 
padlocks. Their fate, however, now appeared 
to be milder, as they were permitted to see each 
other, and allowed to walk for an hour each day, 
on one of the bastions. 

After having been transported to Glatz, the 
prisoners were at length transferred to Neisse, 
for the purpose of being delivered up again to 
Austria: their dungeon was still more dismal and 
unhealthy than any of those they had previously 
inhabited. Alexandre Lameth, who was dange- 
rously ill, could not be removed with his com- 
panions. His mother obtained permission, from 
Frederick William, for him to remain a prisoner 
in his states; and finally obtained his liberty. 



428 LltE OF LA FAYETTE, 

The Prussians, at last, became unwilling to 
bear the odium of such unlawful and disgraceful 
treatment of prisoners of war, entitled to every 
degree of respect from their rank and character; 
but especially from the manner in which they had 
been taken. They, therefore, gave them up to 
the Austrians, who finally transferred them to 
dark and damp dungeons in the citadel of Olmutz. 
The sufferings to which La Fayette was here ex- 
posed, in the mere spirit of a barbarous revenge, 
are almost incredible. He was warned that he 
would never again see any thing but the four walls 
of his dungeon; that he would never receive news 
of events or persons; that his name would be un- 
known in the citadel, and that in all accounts of 
him sent to court, he would be designated only 
by a number; that he would never receive any 
notice of his family, or of the existence of his 
fellow-prisoners. At the same time, knives and 
forks were removed from him, as he was offici- 
ally informed, that his situation was one which 
would naturally lead him to suicide.* 

Thus was the patriotism of La Fayette pun- 
ished by privations and hardships whicli exceed- 
ed the rigours of inquisitorial severity. But he 
was sustained by a firm mind and quiet con- 
science; and bore his misfortunes with manly re- 

* North American Review, January, 1825, p. 164 Wars Fr. 

Rev. ii, 57-8.— Mem. La Fayette, 126-7. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 439 

signation. His sufferings were of no ordinary 
magnitude. The walls of his dungeon were 
twelve feet thick; and air was admitted through 
an opening two feet square, secured at each end 
by transverse massive iron bars. A broad ditch 
was situated directly before these loop-holes, 
which was covered with water only when it rain- 
ed; at other times, it was a stagnant marsh, con- 
stantly emitting a poisonous effluvium: beyond 
tliis, were the outer walls of the castle, so that 
the slightest breeze could never refresh the mis- 
erable captives, although the heat was almost in- 
supportable. Sentinels, with loaded muskets, 
were stationed on these walls, who were prohibit- 
ed to speak a word with them, and ordered to 
shoot them dead, if they attempted an escape. 
A strong guard was also posted before the door 
of the prisoners, who were forbidden, while on 
duty, either to sing, speak, or whistle. 

Each cell had two doors, one of iron, the other 
of wood, nearly two feet thick; and both were 
covered witli bolts, bars, and double padlocks. 
When the jailer, twice a day, brought their wretch- 
ed pittance, it was scrupulously examined, to dis- 
cover if there was any note or communication 
whatever contained in it. A miserable bed of rot- 
ten straw, filled ^with vermin, together with a bro- 
ken chair, and an old worm-eaten table, formed 
the wlic^e furnitur&vlff each apartment. The cells 



430 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

were eight or ten paces deep, and six or eight 
wide; and when it rained, the water flowed 
through the loop-holes, and off* the walls, in such 
quantities, that they would sometimes awake in 
the morning, wet to the skin. When the sun did 
not shine, which happened very frequently in this 
wet country, the prisoners remained almost in 
total darkness during the whole day.* 

After three different attestations on the part of 
physicians, pointing out the indispensable neces- 
sity of fresh air for La Fayette, he was permitted 
to walk in the fortress. 

His sufferings, indeed, proved almost beyond 
his strength. The want of air and decent food, 
and the loathsome dampness and filth of his dun* 
geon, brought him more than once to the borders 
of the grave. His frame was wasted by diseases, 
of which, for a long period, not the slightest no- 
lice was taken; and, on one occasion, he was re- 
duced so low, that his hair fell from him entirely 
by the excess of his sufferings. At the same 
time, his estates in France were confiscated, his 
wife cast into prison, and Fayetteisme, as adhe- 
rence to the constitution was called, was punish- 
ed with death.f 

But his friends were not inactive. In June, 
1794, they prevailed on Dr. Erick BoUmann, 

* Mem. of La Fayette, pp. 127-8, 9. 

t North American Review, No. 46, p. 165. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 431 

whose adventurous and philanthropic spirit easily 
led him to engage in the affairs of La Fayette, to 
proceed to Germany, ascertain what had been the 
fate of the unfortunate patriot, and, if he were 
still alive, to endeavour to procure his escape. 
By great address and courage, he effected the 
escape of count Marbonne from France, after the 
horrible massacres of tenth August, 1793, and 
succeeded in conveying him safely to England. 
In 1793, he had made an unsuccessful attempt to 
procure the liberation of La Fayette, by present- 
ing a memorial to the king of Prussia, which was 
rejected. 

Traversing Germany in the character of a tra- 
veller in pursuit of instruction and knowledge, he 
ascertained that La Fayette had been surrendered 
to the Austrian government, and taken the route 
towards Olmutz.* Having reconnoitred the coun- 
try along the frontier, he selected Tarnowitz, as 
a place of temporary retreat, in case an oppor- 
tunity should occur of rescuing the prisoner from 
captivity. This point determined in his mind, 
he proceeded towards Olmutz, a strong Austrian 
fortress in Moravia, on the high road to Vienna, 

* The narrative of the unsuccessful attempt to rescue La Fay- 
ette, is, in substance, extracted from an account of that noble af- 
fair, published in the Port Folio, vol. xxii, p. 93, and written bj 
Dr. Bollniann himself: hence its authenticity is indubitable, al- 
though it varies from other narratives lately published in this 
country. 



432 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

from which it is distant about one hundred and 
fifty miles. 

At this period, the Austrian police, more rigo- 
rous than that of any country in Europe, France, 
probably excepted, was even more watchful than 
usual, because the events in France, and those in 
Poland, where a revolution had just been crushed 
by the united efforts of the surrounding powers, 
rendered all governments uneasy. Under such 
circumstances, the utmost caution was indispen- 
sable to success, and information became the more 
difficult to obtain, as all direct inquiry would in- 
evitably have led to suspicion. At Olmutz, how- 
ever. Dr. BoUmann ascertained, that several state 
prisoners were kept in the citadel, with a degree 
of caution and mystery, which must have been 
not unlike that used towards the half fabulous 
pei^sonage in the iron mask. It seemed highly 
probable that La Fayette was one of them, and 
acting upon this supposition, the doctor visited 
the hospital, and endeavoured to form an ac- 
quaintance with the first surgeon: he knew that 
the health of the prisoner was delicate; that he 
would not omit seeking medical aid; and that, of 
all the medical men in Olmutz, this military sur- 
geon was the most likely to perform that office. 

The surgeon proved to be a man of intelli- 
gence, probity, and feeling. After several inter- 
views, when the conversation turned on the effect 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 433 

of moral impressions on the constitution, Dr* 
Bollmann, drawing a pamphlet from his pocket, 
abruptly said, "Since we are on the subject, you 
attend the state-prisoners here. La Fayette is 
among them: his health is much impaired. Show 
him this pamphlet. Tell him a traveller left it 
with you, who lately saw in London all the per- 
sons named in it, his particular friends: that they 
are well, and continue attached to him as much 
as ever. This intelligence will do him more good] 
than all your drugs." — At the same moment, he 
laid the pamphlet on the table, and perceiving that 
the surgeon knew not rightly what to reply, 
changed the conversation, and shortly after left 
him. 

The manner of the surgeon convinced him that 
La Fayette was at Olrautz; and he knew the lat- 
ter would devise means to improve the opportu- 
nity, should he receive the pamphlet In a few 
days, the surgeon mentioned, of his own accord, 
that La Fayette wished to learn some further par- 
ticulars respecting the situation of one or two of 
them, whom he named. On hearing this the doc- 
tor, appearing to have accidentally about him 
some white paper, but which, in fact, had been 
prepared for the emergency, sat immediately 
down, and wrote a few lines in French, which 
language the surgeon understood, in reply to the 
inquiries made, and finished with the sentence, 



434 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" I am glad of the opportunity of addressing you 
these few words, which, when read with ymr 
usual warmth, will afford to a heart like yours 
some consolation." The paper had been pre- 
viously written over with sympathetic ink, a writ- 
ing invisible unless brought out by the application 
of heat. The sliglit hint conveyed in the last 
sentence sufficed; La Fayette became acquainted 
with his projects; and his readiness to serve him 
in any practicable way. But the mode could be 
pointed out ordy by the prisoner, as he alone, 
from within, could judge what might be attempt- 
ed, with any chance of success, from without. 

To guard against suspicion, the doctor, on the 
day following, proceeded to Vienna, where he 
remained a considerable time, but confided his 
design to no persbn whatever. He had a carriage 
constructed there, in which were contrived con- 
venient places for conveying secretly a variety 
of articles, such as rope-ladders, cords, a number 
of tools for cutting iron bars, and for similar pur- 
poses. These general preparations being made, 
he visited several gentlemen on their estates in 
Moravia, and took an opportunity of again touch- 
ing at Olmutz, where he cailed on the surgeon^ 
who returned him the pamphlet, formerly left for 
La Fayette. On examining it, he found that the 
margin had been written over with sympathetic 
ink, (lime-juice,) and, on applying heat, learned 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 435^ 

that the captive, on account of his enfeebled state 
of health, after repeated applications, had at last 
obtained permission to take an airing, in a car- 
riage, at stated days in the week, accompanied 
by a military guard; and that by far the easiest 
mode to restore him to liberty, would be to attack 
the guard on one of these excursions, and then 
to take him off. 

Having ascertained, for his guidance, that La 
Fayette, in taking his ride, sat in an open car- 
riage, with an officer by his side, a driver on the 
box, and two armed soldiers standing behind, Dr. 
Bollmann returned to Vienna. As it was indis- 
pensable to have, at least, one coadjutor, he com- 
municated his project to a young American gen- 
tleman, by the name of Francis Kinlock Hiiger, 
who had often mentioned to him, in conversation, 
that La Fayette, on arriving in America, first land- 
ed at his father's house, and there used often to 
have him on his knees, when a boy. He was a 
young man of uncommon talent, decision, and 
enthusiasm; possessed of a warm heart and a re- 
solute mind; and he at once entered into the 
whole design, and devoted himself to its execu- 
tion with the most romantic earnestness. 

Having agreed on a plan, they publicly an- 
nounced their intention of returning to England 
together: two saddle horses were purchased, and 
a steady groom was engaged to attend them. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE» 

Thus, sometimes sending the groom a station or 
two forward, with the carriage; at others, leaving 
him to bring up the horses slowly, while they 
pushed onward in the carriage; they arrived at 
Olmutz. 

These were the only two persons on the con- 
tinent, except La Fayette himself, who had the 
slightest suspicion of any arrangements for his 
rescue, and neither of these persons knew him 
by sight When they reached Olmutz, the doc- 
tor immediately visited the surgeon, and, knowing 
the day when the marquis was to take his ride, 
mentioned to him the same day as the one on 
which he intended to continue his journey. On 
that day, (eighth November, 1794,) the groom 
was despatched, at an early hour, to HofF, a post- 
town about twenty-five miles distant, with orders 
to have fresh horses in readiness at four o'clock. 
It had been concerted between the parties, that, 
to avoid all mistakes when the rescue should be 
attempted, each should take off his hat and wipe 
his forehead, in token of recognition. 

Their saddle horses were now ready at the inn, 
and Mr. Huger feigned some business near the 
town-gate, in order to watch the moment when 
the carriage should pass. As soon as he saw it, 
lie hastened back to the inn. Our adventurers 
mounted, and followed it at some distance, armed 
only with a pair of pistols, and those not loaded 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 437 

with ball. Their success was calculated on sur- 
prise, and, under all the circumstances of the 
case, to take any person's life would have been 
unjustifiable, useless, and imprudent. 

Tliey rode by the carriage, and then, slacken- 
ing their pace and allowing it again to go ahead, 
exchanged signals with the prisoner. At two or 
three miles from the gate, the carriage left the 
high road, and passed into a less frequented tract 
in the midst of an open country: the plain was 
covered with labouring people. Presently the 
carriage stopped. La Fayette and the officer 
stepped out, and walked arm in arm, probably to 
give the former more opportunity for exercise. 
The carriage, with the guard, drove slowly on, 
but remained in sight. This was evidently the 
moment for their attempt. The two companions 
galloped up; and the doctor, dismounting, left his 
horse with Huger. At the same instant. La Fay- 
ette laid hold of the officer's sword, but could 
only half draw it from the scabbard, as the officer, 
a stout man, had seized it also. The doctor join- 
ing, he was presently disarmed; but he then grasp- 
ed La Fayette, held him with all his might, and 
set up a tremendous roaring, not unlike that of 
Mars in the Iliad. The guard, on hearing it, in- 
stead of coming to his assistance, fled to alarm 
the citadel. The people in the field stood aghast. 
A scuffle ensued. Huger passed the bridles of the 



438 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

two horses over one arm, and with the other 
hand, thrust his handkerchief into the officer's 
mouth, to stop the noise. The officer, the pri- 
soner, and the doctor came to the ground. The 
doctor, kneeling on the officer, kept him down 
while the general rose. 

All would now have been well, but one of the 
horses, taking fright at the scene and noise, had 
reared, slipped his bridle, and ran off. A country- 
man caught him, and was holding him at a con- 
siderable distance. The doctor, still keeping down 
the officer, handing a purse to the general, re- 
quested him to mount the horse left; and Mr. 
Huger told him, in English, to go to Hoff. He 
mistook what was said to him for a more general 
direction to go off — delayed a moment to see if 
he could not assist them — then went on — then 
rode back again, and asked once more if he could 
be of no service — and finally, urged anew, gal- 
loped away, and was out of sight in a minute. 

The officer, recovering from his panic, fled 
towards Olmutz. The doctor and Mr. Huger 
recovered the horse that had escaped, and both 
mounted him, intending to follow and assist La 
Fayette. But the animal, less docile and tracta- 
ble than the otliBr, which had been trained to 
carry two persons, refused to perform this task, 
reared, and bounded, and presently threw both. 
Mr, Huger immediately exclaimedj '^ This will 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 439 

not do! The marquis wants you. Push on; I'll 
take my chance on foot across the country." The 
doctor pushed forward, and Mr. Huger, who now 
had little chance of escape, was soon siezed by 
the peasants, who had witnessed the scene, and 
conducted to Olmutz. These accidents defeated 
their romantic enterprise. Dr. Bollmann easily 
arrived at HoflT; but not finding La Fayette there, 
and being anxious to receive some intelligence 
of him, although he might readily have secured 
himself. by proceeding to Tarnowitz, he lingered 
about the frontiers, 'till the next night, when he 
too was arrested, by order of the Prussian autho- 
rity, at the requisition of Austria. 

La Fayette remained unpursued: he had taken 
a wrong road, which led to Jagersdoff, a place on 
the Prussian frontier, and followed it as long as 
his horse could proceed. He was within a few 
miles of the boundary of Austrian rule, and per- 
ceiving that his horse could go no farther, he ac- 
costed a man, whom he overtook on the road, 
not far from a village, and, under some pretext, 
endeavoured to prevail on him to procure him 
another horse, and to attend him to the frontier. 
The man apparently agreed, and went to the vil- 
lage for the hoi'se. But the general had awaken-' 
ed suspicion by his accent, his appearance, his 
request, and his money. The man promptly re- 
turned from the village, but he came with a force 



440 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

to arrest the marquis, and conducted him before 
a magistrate. During three days, the period of 
his detention there, his name was unknown; when 
he was at last recognized by an officer from 01- 
mutz, to which fortress he was re-conducted. 

All three of the prisoners were separately con- 
fined, without being permitted to know any thing 
of each other's fate. Mr. Huger was chained to 
the floor, in a small arched dungeon, about six 
feet by eight, without light, and with only bread 
and water for food; and once in six hours, by day 
and by night, the guard entered, and with a lamp, 
examined each brick, and each link of his chains. 
To his earnest request to know something of 
Dr. BoUmann, and to learn whether La Fayette 
had escaped, he received no answer at all. To 
his still more earnest solicitation to be permitted 
to send to his mother in America, merely the 
words ^' I am alive,'' signed with his name, he 
received a rude refusal. — Dr. Bollmann was also 
put in chains, and conducted to a dismal dun- 
geon, half under ground. Only a faint light broke 
into it, through a narrow, oblique aperture, made 
in a wall upwards of five feet thick. When he 
laid down at night, chained to the walls, he was 
attacked by myriads of famished vermin. Neither 
candle light, nor books, were allowed him, and 
his food was limited to what could be procured 
for four cents per day. In this dreadful situation 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 4AI 

he remained more than two months, without any 
commmiication with any person whatever except 
the jailer, nor did he ever from him learn the 
fate of Mr. Huger, In fact, at first, every degree 
of brutal severity was practised against both of 
them; but, afterwards, this severity was relaxed. 
They were placed nearer together, where they 
could communicate with each other; and their 
trial, wliich was protracted during the whole win- 
ter, was begun with all the tedious formalities, 
that could be prescribed by Austrian fear and cau- 
tion; for they had dreamed, in Vienna, of a deep^ 
rooted plot, and wide-extended conspiracy, and 
could not believe that such an attempt Would be 
made merely by two individuals, and without any 
other design than simply that of restoring a man 
to freedom and to his friends. — By the powerful, 
but unknown, intercessions of many of the per- 
sonal friends of Dr. Bollmann, in Vienna, but 
particularly through the influence of count Me- 
trowsky, a nobleman living near the prison, the 
rigour of their treatment was not only greatly 
mitigated, but. on the conclusion of their trials 
they were merely sentenced to two weeks addi- 
tional confinement, after having been already im- - 
prisoned during eight months. — ^The doctor and ^ 
Mr. Huger received many flattering marks of 
kini^ness and good will, even at Olmutz, before 
their departure, and their progress through Ger- 

3 K 



442 ^iFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

many was a kind of triumph, though embittered 
by the recollection of the continued captivity of 
La Fayette. A few hours after they had left 01- 
mutz, an order came from Vienna, directing a 
new trial, which, under the management of the 
ministers, would, of course, have ended very dif» 
ferently from the one managed by count Me- 
trowsky; but the prisoners were already beyond 
the limits of the Austrian dominions.* 

La Fayette, in the meanwhile, was thrown back 
into his obscure and ignominious sufferings, with 
hardly a hope that they could be terminated, ex- 
cept by death. The irons were so closely fasten- 
ed around his ankles, that for three months he 
endured the most excruciating torture. During 
the winter of i 794-5, which was extremely se- 
vere, he was reduced almost to the last extremity ^ 
by a violent fever; and yet was deprived of pro- 
per attendance, of air, of suitable food, and of 
decent clothes. In this state he was allowed 
nothing for his bed but a little damp and mouldy 
straw; round his waist was a chain, which was 
fastened to the wall, and barely permitted him to 
turn from one side to the other. No light was 
admitted into his cell, and he was even refused 
the smallest allowance of linen. Worn down by 
disease and the rigour of the season, he became 
miserably emaciated. To increase his miseries, 

* North American Review, January, 18.25. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 443 

almost insupportable mental anxieties were ad- 
ded to his physical distresses. He was made to 
believe that he was only reserved for a public 
execution, and that his chivalrous deliverers had 
already perished on the scaffold; while, at the 
same time, he was not permitted to know wheth- 
er his family were still alive, or had fallen under 
the revolutionary ax, of which, during the few 
days he was out of his dungeon, he had heard 
such appalling accounts * 

Madame de La Fayette, however, was nearer 
to him than he could imagine to be possible. She, 
together with her two daughters, x\nastasia and 
Virginia, had been confined in the prisons of Pa- 
ris. The twenty-seventh of July, I7i)4, (ninth 
Thermidor,) put an end to the reign of terror, 
and the greater part of the victims who had been 
doomed to the scaffold, were released from prison^ 
but madame de La Fayette was not liberated for 
several months after, having been more than a 
year and an half in confinement. Notwithstand- 
ing the bad state of her health, and the earnest 
solicitations of her friends that she would remain 
a few months in the country in order to re-estab- 
lish it, she remained deaf to all their prayers, and 
inexorable in her determination to carry imme- 
diate consolation to the dungeon of her persecu- 

* Mem. of La Fayette, p. 190--192.--North American Review, 
Japuarjj 1825. 



444 I^I^FE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ted husband. Sending her eldest son (George 
Washington) for safety, to the care of general 
Washington in America, she sat out accompanied 
by her two daughters, in disguise, and with Ame- 
rican passports. Anastasia, the eldest, was then 
sixteen, and Virginia, the youngest, thirteen, years 
of age. 

Passing under the name of Mrs. Motier, she 
landed at Altona, on the ninth of September, 
4795, and proceeding immediately to Vienna, ob- 
tained an audience of the emperor, who gave 
them permission, as it now seems probable, 
against the intentions of his ministers, to join 
La Fayette in prison, but absolutely refused to 
liberate him; observing "/'ai les mains liees,^^ 
(My hands are tied.) They went instantly to 
Olmutz; but before they could enter, they were 
deprived of whatever they had brought with them 
to alleviate the miseries of a dungeon, and re- 
quired, if they should pass its threshold, never 
again to leave it. They were treated with the 
greatest inhumanity, and refused liberty to hear 
mass on Sundays, or to have a servant to attend 
Hiem. Madame de La Fayette's health soon sunk 
under the complicated horrors and sufferings of 
ber loathsome imprisonment, and she wrote to 
Vienna for permission to pass a week in the capi- 
tal, to breathe purer air, and obtain medical as- 
sistance. Two months after this^ the command- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 445 

ant made his appearance for the first time, and 
after giving orders that the two young ladies 
should be confined to a particular chamber, in- 
formed madame de La Fayette that no objection 
would be made to her leaving her husband; but 
that, if she should do so, she must never return 
to him. There was a degree of refinement in 
this ingenious mode of heaping afflictions upon 
the head of the unfortunate, which almost out- 
rivalled in iniquity, all that had ever been written 
to depict the oppression of tyranny. The heroic 
woman siezed a pen, and immediately and for- 
mally signed her consent and determination " to 
share his captivity in all its details," being " fully 
determined never again to expose herself to the 
horrors of another separation." Never after- 
wards did she make an effort to leave him. After 
this period, no complaints whatever were heard 
from the unhappy sufferers, who inhaled, in their 
dungeons, an air thoroughly impregnated with the 
most noxious effluvium. — The situation of the 
two lovely daughters was horrible. Not allow- 
ed to be confined with their parents, they were 
guarded in separate dungeons; and, by a confine- 
ment of sixteen hours, they purchased the me- 
lancholy satisfaction of being with their father 
and mother during the remaining eight hours, of 
the day. But, with all those soft endearments 
which fall so sweetly from the lips of young and 



446 I^IFE OE LA FAYETTE. 

artless women, they helped to assuage, by their 
touching sympathy, those keener sorrows which 
refused to yield to the voice of philosophy.* 

^' The history of female virtue and female he- 
roism," says M. de Stael, " presents nothing more 
rare in excellence, than the life and character of 
madam de La Fayette." Her name will be re- 
vered so long as virtue commands respect and 
admiration. She has, in our days, revived the 
name of Arria, who devested herself of the weak- 
ness of her sex, to bear all the oppression which 
a Claudius or a Nero could inflict. She composed 
herself for death, in the arms and in the dungeon 
of her husband; but his deliverance produced a 
reprieve to a life so precious. He bore her to 
her native France, to her own patrimonial woods 
of La Grange. Revived, not rescued, she lived 
to behold the return of her brave son, the re- 
union of her family, and then sunk into the tomb. 
Another attempt was made to effect the libe- 
ration of La Fayette. When the emperor of Aus- 
tria, in refusing the liberty of her husband to ma- 
dam de La Fayette, told her that " his hands 
were tied," he could, of course, allude to no law 
or constitution of his erapire, and, therefore, his 
hands could only be tied by engagements with 
bis allies in the war against France. England was 

* Pari. Chron. xvi, 378-9, 380, 394.— Wars Rev. i. Note, 59, 60. 
—Port Folio, xix, 509,--North American RevieWj January, 1825., 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 447 

one of those allies; and, therefore, general Fitz- 
patrick, in the house of commons, on the seven- 
teenth March, 1794, and again on the sixteenth 
December, 1796, after a feeling and eloquent 
introduction, moved, "That an humble address 
be presented to his majesty, representing to his 
majesty, that it appeared to that house that the 
detention of general La Fayette, Alexandre La- 
meth. Bureau de Puzy, and Latour Maubourg, in 
prison, by order of his majesty's ally, the king 
of Prussia, was injurious to his majesty, and the 
cause of his aUies; and humbly to beseech his 
majesty most graciously to intercede in such a 
manner as to his royal wisdom shall seem most 
proper, for the deliverance of these unhappy per- 
sons." He was supported by colonel Tarleton, 
who had fought against La Fayette in Virginia, by 
Wilberforce, by Fox, Sheridan, and Grey; and op- 
posed by Pitt, the chancellor of the exchequer, 
Burke, Windham, the secretary at war, and Mr. 
secretary Dundas. Mr. Fox pleaded the cause 
of La Fayette with the most impassioned elo- 
quence. The British parliament heard that sub- 
lime speech, and yet the representatives of a 
free country did not rise in a body to accede to 
the proposition of the orator, who, on this occa- 
sion, should have been only their interpreter. The 
ministers opposed the motions of general Fitz- 
patrick by saying, as usual, tliat the captivity of 



448 l-If'E OF LA FAYETTE, 

general La Fayette concerned the powers of the 
continent, and that England, in meddling with it, 
woujd violate the general principle which forbade 
her to interfere in the internal administration of 
foreign countries. Mr. Fox admirably combatted 
this wily and evasive answer; but, both motions 
were finally lost,* One good effect, however, 
followed from them. A solemn and vehement 
discussion, in which the emperor of Austria found 
no apologist, had been held in the face of all Eu- 
rope; and all Europe was, of course, informed 
of the sufferings of La Fayette, in the most so- 
lemn and authentic way. 

The illustrious individual who presided over 
the government of the United States, did not for- 
get, in the dungeons of despots, the gallant sol- 
dier, with whom he had fought, side by side, on 
the plains of America. During the first year of 
La Fayette's imprisonment, in 1793, two letters 
were addressed to the American ministers at 
London an^ Paris respectively, at the sole in- 
stance of the president, stating the interest taken 
by the president and people of the United States 
in the fate of the marquis de La Fayette, and re- 
quiring them to avail themselves of every oppor- 
tunity of sounding the way towards his liberation, 

* The motion on seventeenth Marchj 1794, was lost, 46 to 153, 
' — Pari. Chron. ix, 642. — The motion on sixteenth December, 17965 
was lost, 33 to 132,-»Ibid, xvi, S75, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 449 

which they were to endeavour to obtain by infor- 
mal solicitations; but if formal ones should be 
necessary, they were to watch the moment when 
they might be urged with the best prospect of 
success. In fact, the attachment of these illus- 
trious personages to each other, yielded neither 
to time, nor to the remarkable vicissitudes of for- 
tune with which the destiniesof oneof themhad 
been chequered. The extreme jealousy, however, 
with which the persons who administered the go- 
vernment of France, as well as a large party in 
America, watched the deportment of Washing- 
ton towards all tliose whom the ferocious despo- 
tism of the Jacobins had exiled from their coun- 
try, imposed upon him the painful necessity of 
observing great circumspection in his official con- 
duct on this delicate subject. A formal interpo- 
sition in favour of the virtuous and unfortunate 
victim of their fuiious passions, would have been 
unavailing. Without benefitting the person whom 
it was designed to aid, it might have produced 
serious political mischief. But, in the ytar 1796, 
the American ministers employed at foreign 
courts, were instructed to seize every fair occa- 
sion to express unofficially the interest taken by 
the president in the fate of La Fayette; and to 
employ the most eligible means in their power to 
obtain his liberty, or to meliorate his condition. 
A confidential person had been sent to Berlin to 

3 L 



450 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

solicit his discharge; but, before this messenger 
had reached his destination, the king of Prussia 
had delivered over his prisoner to the emperor 
of Germany. Mr. Pinckney had been instructed, 
not only to indicate the wishes of the president 
to the Austrian minister at London, but to endea- 
vour unofficially to obtain the powerful mediation 
of Britain, and had at one time, flattered himself 
that the cabinet of St. James would have taken 
an interest in the affair; but this hope was soon 
dissipated.* 

After being disappointed in obtaining the me- 
diation of the British cabinet, the president ad- 
dressed the following letter to the emperor of 
Germany: — "It will readily occur to your majes- 
ty, that occasions may sometimes exist, on which 
official considerations would constrain the chief 
of a nation to be silent and passive in relation 
even to objects which affect his sensibility, and 
claim his interposition, as a: man. Finding myself 
precisely in this situation at present, I take the 
liberty of writing this private letter to your ma- 
jesty, being persuaded that my motives will also 
be my apology for it. 

" In common with the people of this country, 
I retain a strong and cordial sense of the servi- 
ces rendered to them by the marquis de La Fay- 
ette, and my friendship for him has been constant 

* Marsh, Washington, v, 339, Note, 668-9, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 451 

and sincere. It is natural, therefore, that I should 
sympathise with him and his family, in their mis- 
fortunes, and endeavour to mitigate the calamities 
they experience, among which his present con- 
finement is not the least distressing. 

" I forbear to enlarge on tliis delicate subject. 
Permit me only to submit to your majesty's con- 
sideration, whether his long imprisonment, and 
the confiscation of his estate, and the indigence 
and dispersion of his family, and the painful 
anxieties incident to all these circumstances, do 
not form an assemblage of sufferings which re- 
commend him to the mediation of humanity? Al- 
low me, sir, on this occasion, to be its organ; and 
to entreat that he may be permitted to come to 
this country on such conditions, and under such 
instructions, as your majesty may think it expe- 
dient to prescribe. 

" As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, 
under similar circumstances, I would not grant, 
your majesty will do me the justice to believe 
that this request appears to me to correspond 
with those great principles of magnanimity and 
wisdom, which form the basis of sound policy 
and durable glory." 

This letter, reflecting honour on the feelings 
and character of Washington, and expressing 
sentiments not more deeply cherished by him, 
than by a whole nation, was transmitted to Mr« 



452 i-II^E OF LA FAYETTE, 

Pinckney, to be conveyed to the emperor througli 
his minister at London. How far it operated in 
mitigating immediately the rigour of La Fayette's 
confinement, or in obtaining his liberty, remains 
unascertained. 

But the Journal of Congress of third March j 
1797, contains a record, which will stand forever 
as a blemish on the character of our country, 
although the principles which it exhibits, were, at 
that time, as odious to almost all the citizens of 
the republic, as they must be to the present gene- 
ration. But, fiat justitia, ruat ccelura. On that 
day, the lamented orator and statesman, Robert 
Goodloe Harper, moved, for consideration, a re- 
solution in the following words: "This housCj 
strongly impressed with a just sense of the im- 
portant and disinterested services rendered to 
their county, during the late war, by their fellow- 
citizen, major-general La Fayette, and deeply re- 
gretting the sufferings to which he is now sub- 
jected from a long and rigorous imprisonment, 
and which have equally excited their sympathy, 
and the ardent wish of their constituents for his 
deliverance, do Resolve, that the president of the 
United States be informed, that this house will 
see with the highest satisfaction, any measures 
which he may deem expedient to adopt towards 
effecting the restoration of their said fellow-citi- 
zen to liberty."-— Notwithstanding the eloquence 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 453 

of a Harper, this motion was lost by a majority 
of fifty-two to thirty-two: this result may be at- 
tributed to the cold-blooded fear of* multiplying 
foreign negociations, the calculating timidity 
which looked forward to a long train of political 
disputes, and to the circumstance of the resolu- 
tion having been brought forward at a late hour 
on the last day of the session.* 

The period at which La Fayette and his afflict- 
ed family, were again to taste the enjoyments of 
liberty was now rapidly approaching. They owed 
their liberation, in a great measure, to Napoleon 
Bonaparte, at that time general-in-chief of the 
army of Italy; but the American government, as 
we shall presently show, participated honourably 
in the act. At the treaty of Campo-Formio, 
which was preceded by the negociation of Leo- 
ben and Udine, the young and victorious French 
general insisted, on his own responsibility, that 
the prisoners at Olmutz should be immediately 
released from confinement. The Austrian minis- 
ters were unwillingly compelled to relinquish 
their prey; but attempted to compel La Fayette 
to receive his freedom on conditions prescribed 
to him: but this he disfinctly and decidedly re- 
fused; and declared, with a firmness which it is 
hardly to be believed could have survived such 
sufferings, that he would never accept his libera- 

* American Senator, iii, 771. 



454 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

tion in any way that should compromise his rights 
and duties, either as a Frenchman, or as an Ame- 
rican citizen, 

John Parish, esquire, the American consul at 
Hamburg, had been indefatigable in his exertions, 
as the agent of the United States, to procure the 
liberation, or at least improve the situation, of the 
illustrious sufferer. He had already solicited, 
and obtained, permission to supply him with 
small sums of money. At length, the emperor 
affected to listen with a friendly ear to the solici- 
tations of the American government, and con- 
sented to his enlargement, upon condition that 
Mr. Parish would engage that he should leave 
Germany in ten days. On the twenty-fifth August, 
1797, the consul addressed a letter to the baron 
de Thurgut, minister of state, containing the fol- 
lowing passage: " Mr. Rameuf will have tlie ho- 
nour of acquainting your excellency with the 
dispositions that have been made towards pro- 
curing a vessel for the prisoners, on their arrival 
in this city, (Hamburg,) to facilitate their passage 
to America. 1 beg permission for Mr. Rameuf 
to offer to the prisoners, as well in my own name 
as in that of the United States, whatever assis- 
tance and care they may stand in need of, at the 
moment of their enlargement." 

To this letter the baron de Thurgut replied as 
follows: " The merchant Hirsch has been per- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 455 

mitted to furnish, agreeably to your desire, the 
money necessary to defray the expenses that the 
family of La Fayette would be at for matters of 
convenience and pleasure. The baron de Buol, 
his majesty's minister plenipotentiary to the prin- 
ces and state of Lower Saxony, will inform you 
of the particular deference of his majesty to the 
interest which the United States appear to take 
in the liberation of this prisoner." The same 
minister of state, in a letter of the thirteenth of 
September, 1797, to the baron de Buol, speaks 
in this language: " \ou will take care, M. Baron, 
to inform the American consul on this occasion, 
that his majesty, having made no positive engage- 
ment with the French respecting the enlargement 
of this prisoner, the motive of the particular in- 
terest that the United States of America appear 
to attach to it, has contributed not a little to en- 
gage his majesty in this beneficent action; that, 
for the rest, — his majesty will be always happy 
in furnishing the United States of America, on 
all occasions, real marks of his friendship and 
benevolence."* 

It may be, that the Austrians were compelled 
to release La Fayette by the sword of the con- 
queror of Italy, but were willing to make a merit 
of it in the eyes of our government. It is not a 
little remarkable, that his release should have been 

* Port Folio, xix, 509-10, 11. 



456 WFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

effected by the co-operation of the two most con- 
spicuous men of their age, one the founder of a 
republic, the other, of a despotism, — George 
Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte. 

On the nineteenth of September, 1797, the 
precious light of heaven once more gladdened 
the heart of the mucli injured marquis ; madam 
de La Fayette, and her daughters, having been 
confined twenty -two months, and La Fayette him- 
self, more than five years, in a disgraceful spirit 
of vulgar cruelty and revenge, of which modern 
history can aflbrd very few examples. On that 
day, his fetters were knocked off*, and accompa- 
nied by his wife and daughters, he left his prison 
under the escort of an officer, who was to deliver 
him into the hands of our worthy consul. Mr. 
Parish relates the manner in which he was re- 
ceived at Hamburg, in a very interesting manner: 

" The marquis' departure from Olmutz," says 
that gentleman, " was notified to M. de Buol and 
myself, and I concerted measures for his being 
delivered over to me in my own house. Every 
thing was so arranged as to have the ceremony 
performed as quickly and secretly as possible; 
and the fourth of October was fixed for their being 
conveyed to ray house. Mr. Morris and J, dined 
that day with the minister, the baron de Euol. I 
left them at four o'clock, in order to be at home 
when they arrived. An immense crowd of peo- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 457 

pie announced their arrival. The streets were 
lined, and my house was soon filled, with them. 
A lane was formed to let the prisoners pass to 
my room. La Fayette led the way, and was fol- 
lowed by his infirm lady, and two daughters. He 
flew into my arms; his wife and daughters clung 
to me. A silence — an expressive silence, took 
place. It was broken by an exclamation of, " my 
friend! my dearest friend! my deliverer! See the 
work of your generosity! My poor, poor wife, 
hardly able to support herself." And, indeed, she 
was not standing, but hanging on my arm, im- 
brued with tears, while her two lovely girls had 
hold of the other. The scene was extremely 
affecting, and I was very much agitated. The 
room was full, and I am sure there was not a dry 
eye in it. I placed the marchioness on a sofa: 
she sobbed and wept much, and could utter but 
few words. Again the marquis came to my arms, 
his heart overflowing with gratitude. I never saw 
a man in such complete ecstacy of body and mind. 
—He is a very handsome man, in the prime of 
life, and seemed to have suffered but little from 
his confinement. It required a good quarter of 
an hour to compose him. 

" In the midst of this scene, the minister joined 
us: I introduced the marquis and his family to 
him, and then requested that the ceremony about 
to be performed, might be in a private room, and 

B M 



458 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

desired that the rest of the company might re- 
main where they were. 

" The minister, and his secretary, with the 
officer of the escort, Mr. Morris, and the pri- 
soner^ retired with me to an inner apartment^ 
where M. de Buol, after a very handsome ad- 
dress to the prisoner, stated the particular satis- 
faction he had in delivering him over to a friend 
who loved and respected him so much: he then 
addressed me, and after some flattering compli- 
ments, reminded me of my engagement to the 
emperor, to have the marquis removed out of 
Germany in ten days, which 1 again promised to 
fulfil, when he told La Fayette that he was now 
completely restored to liberty."* 

After causing their rights, both as French and 
American citizens, to be formally recognised at 
Hamburg, La Fayette and his family went to 
Welmoldt, a little town in the territories of Hol- 
stein, where, during two years, they lived in re- 
tirement and tranquillity. About this period the 
joys of the happy cu-cle were increased by the 
arrival of George Washington La Fayette, from 
Mount Vernon, and by the marriage of Anastasia, 
the eldest daughter of La Fayette, with M. 
Charles de Latour Maubourg, brother of the per- 
son who had shared her father's captivity, 

*PortFolio,xis, 511, 512. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 459 

Here, La Fayette continued to reside, content-^ 
ed and happy, but anxiously observing the pro- 
gress of events in France, until the revolution of 
the eighteenth Brumaire, tenth November, 1799, 
promised, for a time, to settle the government of 
his country on a safe foundation. He immedi- 
ately returned to France, and established himself 
at La Grange, a fine old castle, surrounded by a 
moderate estate, about forty miles from Paris, 
which has ever since been his customary resi- 
dence. 

Returned to his country, La Fayette remained 
steady to those principles which had guided him 
through life,— which had led him to the wilds of 
America, — which had inspired him in the con- 
flicts of revolutionary France, — had shielded him 
from the corruption of courts, and consoled him in 
the dungeons of captivity. When he discovered 
that his opinions of the character and views of Bo= 
naparte were ill-founded, that he who had gene- 
rously assisted to unlock his own chains, was al= 
ready engaged in weaving shackles for his coun- 
try, he broke off all intercourse with him, refused 
the share offered to him in public affairs, de- 
clined the senatorial dignity anxiously pressed on 
his acceptance, and by his bold restrictive vote, 
in 1802, against the consulship for life, snapped 
forever the tie, which, under the paramount in- 
fluence of gratitude, had for a moment bound him 



460 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

to a man, whose views differed so widely from 
his own. Bonaparte even went so far as to re- 
fuse to promote his eldest son, and his son-in- 
law Lasteyrie, though they distinguished them- 
selves repeatedly in the army; and once, when a 
report of the services of the former in a bulletin 
was offered him, he erased it with impatience, 
saying, " These La Fayettes cross my path eve- 
rywhere." Discouraged, therefore, in every way 
in which they could be of service to their coun- 
try, the whole family was at last collected at La 
Grange, and lived there in the happiest retire- 
ment, so long as the despotism of Bonaparte last- 
ed. Refusing inflexibly to bow before the sun of 
imperial power, the noble head of the family gave 
himself up exclusively to the endearments of do- 
mestic life, the pursuits of literature and science, 
and the interests and improvements of agricul- 
ture.* 

For many years he continued to repose tran- 
quilly in the bosom of his family. The restora- 
tion of the Bourbons, in 1814, made no change 
in La Fayette's relations: he remained an inac- 
tive spectator of the political changes which took 
place. He was too honest and too candid, too 
much an enemy to the anarchy of the Jacobin 
factions, and to the despotism of the emperor, 

* Lady Morgan's France, p. 319.— North American Review, 
January, 1825. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 4^1 

to support either, or to be received into their con- 
fidence. The restoration of a Bourbon to the 
throne might have met his silent approbation, if 
the throne had been founded in a constitution, 
fairly admitting the representatives of the peo- 
ple to a share in legislation, and properly defin- 
ing the extent and the measure of the executive 
authority; but the views of Louis' friends and 
alHes were too arbitrary to lead them to expect 
his approbation and aid. He, however, presented 
himself once at court, where he was very kindly 
received; but the government they established 
was so different from the representative govern- 
ment, which he had assisted to form, that he did 
not again appear at the palace. 

But great and extraordinary events, once more 
forced, for the moment, this modern Cincinnatus 
from his plough, to assist in councils which had 
for their object the fate of an empire, and which 
brought him before the world, in all the original 
splendour of his long-tried virtue. Napoleon 
landed from Elba on the first of March, 1815, and 
reached Paris on the twentieth. His appearance 
in the capital was like a theatrical illusion, and 
his policy seemed to be to play all men, of all 
parties, like the characters of a great drama, 
around him. Wishing to obtain the powerful 
countenance and co-operation of La Fayette, he 
deputed Joseph Bonaparte, to whom La Fayette 



46i2 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

had been personally known, to consult and con= 
ciliate him: but the consistent patriot would hold 
no communion with the new order of things. He 
even refused, though pressingly solicited, to have 
an interview with the emperor; and when the ex= 
king of Spain observed that his name was placed 
first upon the list of peers, and urged his accept- 
ance of the peerage, this was his answer; " Should 
I ever again appear on the scene of public life, 
it can only be as a representative of the people." 
To the Acte Additiond of the twenty-second 
April, 1815, confirming the principles of Napo- 
leon's former despotism, but establishing, among 
other things, an hereditary chamber of peers, and 
an elective chamber of representatives, La Fay- 
ette entered his solemn protest, in the same spi- 
rit with which he had protested against the con- 
sulship for life. The very college of electors, 
however, who received his protest, unanimously 
chose him, first to be their president, and after- 
wards to be their representative to the Corps 
Legislatif.^ 

After a long and chequered interval, La Fay- 
ette appeared before his country, with the same 
immutability of principle, the same energy of 
^spirit and force of eloquence, as was possessed 
)y him to whom America raised statues, ere man- 

* Lady Morgan's France, 315, 320. — Biog. Not. Fay. 13.-=- 
Mem. Fayette, i06.—North Am. Rev. January, 1825. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 463 

hood had shed its down upon his cheek; — to 
whom the mihtary spirit of France devoted a 
sword of victory, formed out of the dungeon- 
bars of the Bastile, which he had broken. As a 
member of the chamber of deputies, he exhibit- 
ed to his country, a bright, untarnished, model 
of the true, pure, incorruptible constitutionalists 
of 1789, whose views for the hberty and happi- 
ness of their country had been successively and| 
effectually frustrated, by the sordid selfishnessi 
of antiquated privilege, by the factious intriguesj 
of sanguinary democracy, and by the aspiring 
views of bold, boundless, and despotic ambition.- 
It was as a representative of the people tha| 
he saw Bonaparte, for the first time, at the open 
ing of the chambers on the seventh of June, 181^ 
" It is about twelve years since we have me^ 
general;" said Napoleon, with great kindness oj 
manner: but La Fayette received the emperol 
with marked distrust; and all his efforts were d 
rected, as he then happily said they should bl 
" to make the chamber of which he was a meij- 
ber, a representation of the French people, au 
not a Napoleon club." — Notwithstanding all B- 
naparte's efforts to procure the nomination of ie 
president of the chamber, the votes were divjpd 
between Lanjuinais, La Fayette, and Flangernes. 
On the first ballot, the two former had the/iigh- 

* Morgan's France^ p. 320. 



464 LM^E OF LA FAYETTE. 

est number' of votes; but, finding that the empe- 
ror had declared he would not accept Lanjuinais, 
if he should be chosen, La Fayette used great ex- 
ertions, and obtained a majority for him, over 
himself. Bonaparte was compelled, by circum- 
stances to submit, as well as to recognise La Fay- 
ette as vice president of the chamber. From 
this moment until after the battle of Waterloo, 
which happened in twelve days, La Fayette did 
not make himself prominent in the chamber. He 
voted for oW judicious supplies, on the ground 
that France was invaded, and that it was the duty 
of all Frenchmen to defend their country; but he 
in no way implicated himself in Bonaparte's pro- 
jects or fortunes, with whom it was impossible 
le could have any thing in common.* 

At last, at nine o'clock on the evening of the 
wentieth June, 1815, Bonaparte arrived from 
Yaterloo, a defeated and desperate man. During 
lis absence from Paris, the different parties in 
le chambers had not been idle. All agreed that 
' Napoleon was victorious at the outset of the 
impaign, any resistance to his government would 
k vain. Should disgrace and defeat attend his 
fist enterprise, many had determined to cast off 
hi yoke, and to cause him to abdicate the throne 
wltfi he had usurped. Some, with Fouche at 
theithead, hoped to prevent the desolation of 

* No;h American Review, January, 1825.— Mem. Fayette, 286. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 465 

France, by making peace with, and recalling, the 
Bourbons. Others, believing that the allies, ac- 
cording to their declarations, would permit them 
to choose their government and their chief, pro- 
posed to offer the crown to the duke of Orleans, 
who seemed the only one of the Bourbon family, 
who had imbibed the proper principles of mode- 
ration. Another party, whose leader was the vir- 
tuous La Fayette, hoped that France might at 
length be permitted to enjoy some splendid and 
sublime constitution, approaching to the boasted 
models of the ancient republics. These three par- 
ties formed the decided majority of the deputies, 
and would all cordially and zealously unite in ac- 
complishing the abdication of Napoleon.* 

The dissolution of the representative body, and 
the assumption of the whole dictatorship of the 
country, now occupied the deliberations of Na- 
poleon and his ministers. Lucien vehemently 
urged the dictatorship as the only means of averts 
ing from his brother, the disgrace which his ene- 
mies were preparing, and the only means of sav- 
ing the country. Regnault warmly supported 
him, and Decres and Davoust were inclined to 
the same opinion; but they were opposed by Fou- 
che, Carnot, and Cambaceres. Napoleon said 
little. He attentively listened to the arguments 
of each party, and at length, expressed his firm 

* Boyce's France, vol. ii, 116, 117. 

3n 



466 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

determination to throw himself on the loyalty of 
the chambers, and concert with them the mea- 
sures which the present critical situation of France 
required. — While the council was deliberating on 
the form of the message to be delivered to the 
chambersj the deputies met. Napoleon had or- 
dered a bulletin of their proceedings to be sent 
to him, by a confidential agent, every quarter of 
an hour. The first bulletin filled the court party 
with alarm. La Fayette had appeared in tlie tri- 
bune. Bonaparte, in great agitation, reiterated the 
disastrous intelligence, " La Fayette in the tri- 
buneP' while a spoon, with which he was trifling, 
fell from his hand, and his altered countenance 
betrayed his conviction that " all was over." The 
council was advised that he had moved that the 
sittings of the chamber should be declared per- 
manent, and that every attempt to dissolve them 
should be resisted and punished, as high treason. 
All question respecting the dictatorship was now 
at an end, unless the emperor was resolved to 
add the horrors of civil war to the calamities 
which were devastating the frontiers, and threat- 
ened to penetrate to the very heart of France. 
The council was, for a while, lost in astonishment 
and fear, but the next intelligence recalled them 
to their recollection, and showed tliem all the 
danger which threatened Napoleon and his party. 
The ministers were ordered to appear in the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 4^7 

chamber of deputies, and there answer to any 
questions which might be put to them. At first 
they hesitated whether they would obey this un« 
expected, and peremptory, and unconstitutional, 
summons. Napoleon was indignant at the msult; 
and even spoke of putting himself at the head 
of the few troops in Paris, on whose fidelity he 
was assured he might depend, and marching to 
the hall, to dissolve the chambers by force. No 
one but Lucien was found sufficiently bold, or 
faithful, or unprincipled, to second this rash pro- 
posal. At this moment, a second and more pe- 
remptory summons arrived, requiring the imme- 
diate attendance of the ministers in the hall of 
the deputies. The council broke up .in dismay, 
and nothing was determined, except that an ex- 
traordinary meeting should be summoned in the 
evening.* 

It has been stated that the deputies assembled 
while the council of the ministers continued their 
deliberations. La Fayette had obtained intelli- 
gence of the subject which engaged their atten- 
tion, and which had been so often discussed in 
the private assembfies at the palace. Two of the 
council, Thibaudeau, and Regnault de St. Jean 
d' Angely, who were opposed to the violent mea- 
sure of the dictatorship, had even informed him 
that it would be taken instantly, and that in two 

* Boyce's France, ii, 134-5, 6.— Morgan's France, 321. 



468 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

hours the chamber of I'epresentatives would cease 
to exist. There was, of course, not a moment 
left for consultation, or advice: the emperor, or 
the chamber, must fall that morning. He was 
sufficiently experienced in the manoeuvres of re- 
volutionary times, to know that not a moment 
was to be lost, and that all depended on striking 
the first blow. He, therefore, managed that the 
chamber should meet at an earlier hour than 
usual, and the president had no sooner taken the 
chair, than he presented himself at the tribune. 
For the first time for twenty years, he ascended 
the tribune on the twenty-first of June, 1815, 
with the same clear courage, and in the same spi- 
rit of self-devotion, with which he had stood at 
the bar of the national assembly in 1793, and 
uttered words which would assuredly have been 
his death-warrant, had he not been supported in 
them by the assembly which he addressed. He 
had hitherto taken no share in their discussions. 
He had kept himself aloof, as if he were conscious 
of disgrace in belonging to the government which 
Napoleon had instituted. His appearance, there- 
fore, excited the greatest surprise and the most 
lively expectation, and a profound silence reigned 
throughout the whole assembly. " Gentlemen," 
said he, " for the first time during many years, 
you hear a voice which the old friends of liberty 
may yet recognise. The country is in danger. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 469 

and you alone can save it. — The sinister reports, 
which have been circulated during the last two 
days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the mo- 
ment to rally round the national colours,— the 
tri-coloured standard of 1789, — the standard of 
liberty, equality, and pubhc order. It is you 
alone, who can now protect the country from 
foreign attacks, and internal dissensions. It is 
you alone, who can secure the independence and 
the honour of France. — Allow a veteran in the 
sacred cause of freedom, and a stranger to the 
spirit of faction, to submit to you some resolu- 
tions, which the dangers of the present crisis de- 
mand. I am assured that you will feel the ne- 
cessity of adopting them: — 

" Art. I. The chamber declares that the inde- 
pendence of the nation is menaced. 

" II. The chamber declares its sittings perma- 
nent. All attempts to dissolve it, shall be con- 
sidered high treason. Whosoever shall render 
himself culpable of such an attempt, shall be con- 
sidered a traitor to his country, and condemned 
as such. 

" III. The army of the line, and the national 
guards, who have fought, and still fight, for the 
liberty, the independence, and the territory, of 
France, have merited well of the country. 

" IV. The minister of the interior is invited to 
assemble the principal officers of the Parisian na- 
tional guard, in order to consult on the means of 



470 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

providing it with arms, and of completing this 
corps of citizens, whose tried patriotism and zeal 
offer a sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, 
and tranquillity of the capital, and for the invio- 
lability of the national representatives. 

" V. The minister of war, of foreign affairs, of 
police, and of the interior, are invited to repair 
to the hall of the assembly." 

No opposition was made to these resolutions, 
so alarming and so bold. The court party was 
taken by surprise, and absolutely thunder-struck. 
Well founded, indeed, were the fears of the em- 
peror, when he heard that La Fayette was in the 
tribune, for these motions, which were at once 
adopted, with the exception of the fourth article, 
both by the representatives and the peers, sub- 
stantially devested him of his power, and left him 
merely a factious and dangerous individual in the 
midst of a distracted state. The fourth article 
was suspended, as conveying an invidious distinc- 
tion between the troops of the line, and the na- 
tional guards; but the latter availed themselves 
of the hint. They immediately assembled at 
their respective rendezvous, and a piquet was 
sent from every arrondissement, to do duty at the 
hall of the deputies, and to charge themselves 
with the protection of the national representa- 
tion,* 

* Boj-ce's France, ii, 137 — 140,— -North American Review, Ja- 
nuary, 1825, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 471 

The resolutions offered by La Fayette decided 
the fate of Napoleon. All, except himself, pre- 
dicted the speedy termination of his reign. The 
day passed over without any event of conse- 
quence. The emperor hesitated as to the course 
he should pursue. The chambers exacted from 
the ministers the most positive and reiterated as- 
surances that no designs were harboured against 
them. The citizens of Paris anxiously awaited 
the result of the impending struggle.— Towards 
the beginning of the evening, Napoleon, hoping 
that the eloquence of Lucien, which had saved 
him on the eighteenth Brumaire, miglit be fpund 
no less affectual now, sent him, with the three 
other ministers, to the chamber, having first ob- 
tained a vote that all should pass in secret session. 
It was certainly a most perilous crisis: it was a 
contest for existence, and no man could feel his 
life safe. Lucien rose, and made a partial expo- 
sition of the state of affairs, and the projects and 
hopes he still entertained. A deep and painful 
silence followed. At length M. Jay, well known 
about twenty years ago in Boston, under the 
assumed name of Renaud, as a teacher of the 
French language, ascended the tribune, and after 
a long, vehement, and eloquent speech, proposed 
to send a deputation to the emperor, demanding 
his abdication. Lucien immediately followed. He 
never showed more power, or a more impassion- 



472 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ed eloquence: " It is not Napoleon," he exclaim- 
ed, " that is attacked; it is the French people. 
And a proposition is now made to this people to 
abandon their emperor; to expose the French 
nation, before the tribunal of the world, to a se- 
vere judgment on its levity and inconstancy. Noj 
sir, the honour of this nation shall never be so 
compromised!" On hearing these words. La Fay- 
ette rose. He did not go to the tribune; but spoke, 
contrary to rule and custom, from his place. His 
manner was perfectly calm, but marked with the 
very spirit of rebuke; and he addressed himself, 
not to the president, but directly to Lucien. " The 
assertion which has just been uttered is a calum- 
ny. Who shall dare to accuse the French nation 
of inconstancy to the emperor Napoleon? That 
nation has followed his bloody footsteps through 
the sands of Egypt, and through the wastes of 
Russia; over fifty fields of battle, in disaster as 
faithfully as in victory; and it is for having thus 
devotedly followed him, that we now mourn the 
blood of three millions of Frenchmen." — These 
few words made an impression on the assembly, 
which could neither be resisted nor mistaken; 
and, as La Fayette ended, Lucien himself bowed 
respectfully to him, and, without resuming his 
speech, sat down. — It is stated that La Fayette, 
during this debate, said to Lucien, " Go tell your 
brother that we will trust him no longer; we will 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE„ 473 

ourselves undertake the salvation of our coun- 
try.* 

It was determined to appoint a deputation of 
five members from each chamber, to meet the 
grand council of the ministers, and deliberate, in 
committee, on the measures to be taken. At nighty 
this imperial committee assembled, under the 
presidency of Cambaceres, arch- chancellor of the 
empire. It was composed of the ministers hold-- 
ing departments; the ministers of state; the pre- 
sident and four members of the chamber of peers; 
the president and four vice-presidents (one of 
whom was La Fayette,) of the representatives; 
the heads of the civil and military authorities of 
Paris; and some state-counsellors, peers, repre- 
sentatives, and citizens, who were invited by the 
emperor. The friends of Napoleon were the 
most numerous party. — A secretary announced 
the approach of the emperor, who was preceded 
by his three brothers. All the assembly rose. 
He saluted them respectfully, but with some em- 
barrassment. They then reseated themselves, 
without waiting for any previous command, and 
a profound silence succeeded. — Count Regnault, 
who faithfully adhered to the fortunes of his mas= 
ter during all his vicissitudes, opened the debate^ 
He insisted that the glorious vacancies which un- 

* North American Review, January, 1825.— Morgan's France, 
326, 

8 o 



474 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

heard of sacrifices had made in the ranks of the 
army, ought to be filled up. "If victory has 
ceased," said he, " to crown our standards, are 
there not other palms besides those which are 
sprinkled with blood? The olive of peace may 
still flourish on our menaced frontiers; but that 
it may bear permanent fruit, it must be planted 
by heroic hands." " The only conquest for which 
we fight is that of peace." "I conclude with 
moving that the chambers make an appeal to 
French valour, whilst the emperor is treating of 
peace in the most steady and dignified manner."* 

La Fayette next rose. Every eye was fixed 
upon him, and profound silence reigned around, 
ISapoleon \^as agitated almost to suffocation; but 
he speedily recovered himself, and assumed the 
appearance of indifference and unconcern. 

" In love for my country," said he, '' and ar- 
dent wishes to save it from the dangers which 
threaten to overwhelm it, I will not yield to the 
last speaker. The sincerity of his patriotism I 
am not disposed to doubt; but it is with pain that 
I am compelled to say, that the measures which 
he proposes, would hasten and aggravate the ca- 
lamities that we all deprecate. The fine army 
with which our noithern frontiers were covered, 
is no more. It can oppose no effectual resistance 
to the hordes of foreigners, who have already 

* Boyce's France, ii, chapt. iv, et seq. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 475 

passed our borders, and whose course is marked 
with devastation and blood. It is under the walls 
of Paris alone, that our scattered troops will be 
able to unite, and dispute with the enemy, the 
possession of the capital of the empire, 

" Of the issue of the contest, I should not be 
doubtful. At the voice of their government, and 
to defend the liberty, the integrity, and the in- 
dependence, of his country, every Frenchman 
would fly to arms, and the invaders would be 
chased from our soil with sad discomfiture. But 
though the triumph would be certain, the contest 
would be long and dreadful. Our fruitful fields 
would be laid waste, and our rivers run with 
blood. Is it necessary to expose our country to 
these calamities? Is it necessary to fill it with 
widows and orphans? Are there no means by 
which peace may be obtained without compro- 
mising our honour? 

" The last speaker has proposed that pacific 
overtures should be made to the allies; that while 
an appeal is made to French valour, the emperor 
should treat for peace in the most dignified man- 
ner. But with what prospect of success will he, 
or can he, treat? Have not our enemies pledged 
themselves to a line of conduct which, adopted 
when the issue of the contest was uncertain, and 
while all France appeared to have rallied round 
the emperor of their choice, will not be readily 



476 WFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

abandoned, now that victory has crowned theii 
efforts? 

" Mingled sentiments of affection and respect 
prevent me from being more explicit. There is 
hut one measure which can save the country, and 
if the ministers of the emperor will not advise 
him to adopt it, his great soul will reveal it to 
him.'" 

This speech, firmly and fearlessly delivered in 
the presence of Napoleon, excited many mur- 
murs from the court party, and much applause 
from others. At the close of it, the emperor cast 
his eyes down, but immediately raised them again 
with a smile of disdain. T'he duke of Bassano 
(Maret) could not contain his indignation. He 
proposed that all who for twelve years had made 
parts of different factions, whose common object 
was the dethronement of Napoleon, should be 
placed under the surveillance of a more severe 
police: " had this measure been adopted," he con» 
tinued, " a person who now hears me, (La Fay- 
ette,) and who well understands me, would not 
smile at the misfortunes of the country, and 
Wellington would not be marching to Paris." — 
A burst of disapprobation, which even the pre- 
sence of the eioperor could not check, followed 
this insinuation. The duke attempted to proceed, 
and to explain what he had said; but the indigna- 
tion of the assembly was extreme. Hisses, and 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 477 

the most violent expressions of censure, drown- 
ed the voice of the speaker.* 

The dehberation continued during several 
hours; and the sentiments of La B'ayette were 
supported in no equivocal terms, by f anjuinais 
and Constant. The emperor, fearing that some 
resolution might be proposed fatal to his power, 
conversed a few minutes with Carnot and Lucien, 
in a low voice, when the former addressed the 
meeting, earnestly deprecating violent measures, 
and concluded by moving that the chambers 
should be invited to treat with the allied sover- 
eigns, through an embassy of their own choosing. 
The impossibility of this measure being attended 
with success, was apparent to every one. It could 
not be supposed, when they had declared that 
they would never treat with JS^apoleon or his 
family, that the allies would be deluded by a mere 
quibble, and treat with any deputation from the 
chambers, while he still held the reins of power. 
— By adopting this measure, however, the object 
of both parties was answered. They equally wisli» 
ed to gain time to strike some decisive blow, for 
which neither was yet fully prepared. The as- 
sembly broke up. No one appeared satisfied, 
and it was easy to see that some great event was 
at hand. Before they separated, one of the mem- 
bers who had taken no part in the debate, ex° 

* Boyce's France, vol, ii, chapt, iv, et seq. 



478 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

claimed, with a voice purposely meant to reach 
the emperor's ear, " M. de la Fayette has struck 
at the root of the evil. I admire Napoleon; but 
in order that all France and that posterity may 
think as I do, one great act is still wanting. Is 
there no one so much a friend to our happiness 
and glory, as to point out to him how he may 
still add to it?" 

The deputies met early on the following morn- 
ing, and after a most stormy and tumultuous de- 
bate, caused by the delay in receiving a message 
from the emperor, they passed a resolution that 
a deputation of five members should proceed to 
the emperor, and express to his majesty the ur- 
gency of his decision. At the suggestion of gene- 
ral Solignac, than whom no man stood higher in 
the estimation of every party, the chamber un- 
willingly agreed to wait for one hour to receive 
the message, and adjourned for that purpose. 
Solignac hastened immediately to the palace to 
endeavour to save the honour of that chief whom 
he still respected, although during five years, the 
emperor had eagerly seized every opportunity to 
mortify, insult, and disgrace him. — In vain had 
many of his ministers urged his voluntary abdi- 
cation. The preceding night was passed in dis- 
cussion, and it was not until the chambers had ac- 
tually assembled in the morning, that the condi- 
tional promise was extorted from him, that if the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 479 

negociations of the chambers failed, he would 
make the sacrifice which was required. Lucien 
and Bertrand alone opposed his abdication, and 
persisted in urging him to dissolve the chambers, 
and crush his enemies by one decisive blow. Lu- 
cien had heard of the tumultuous opening of the 
sittings in the morning, and was well assured that 
a motion would soon be made that Napoleon had 
forfeited the crown. He hastened to his brother, 
to make one last eiFort ere it was too late. The 
idea of the declaration of a forfeiture irritated 
Napoleon to madness. He sent in great haste 
for Davoust, the minister of war, and abruptly 
inquired what force he could lead against the 
assembly if he were compelled to proceed to ex- 
tremities. Davoust hesitated; and his reply prov- 
ed that he would not involve himself in a violent 
and unconstitutional measure. "I understand 
you," said the emperor, "my sun is set:" and he 
abruptly quitted the apartment. 

When general Solignac was introduced, he ex- 
plained with much feeling the purport of his mis- 
sion. He stated the disposition of the chambers, 
and the method by which he had succeeded in 
averting, for one short hour, the fatal decision, 
and he entreated the emperor to prevent the dis- 
grace of forfeiture, by a speedy abdication. Na- 
poleon had also learned, that if his abdication 
was not sent to the chamber within one hour. La 



480 LIFE O^ ^^ FAYETTE. 

Fayette had resolved to move for his expulsion, 
AH Solignac's arguments were urged in vain. Na- 
poleon was resolved to brave his fate. At lengthy 
the general, as his last resource, proposed a mea- 
sure that he would fain have otherwise avoided, 
that he should abdicate in favour of his son. Na- 
poleon consented. A secretary was summoned; 
the declaration was immediately drawn up; and 
Solignac hastened to the assembly with this im- 
portant paper, which was received with every 
mark of respect. La Fayette proposed that the 
person and interests of Napoleon should be 
placed under the protection of the national ho- 
nour; and the resolution was carried by acclama- 
tion. — The president, Lanjuinais, La Fayette, the 
other vice-presidents, and the secretaries, pro- 
ceeded to the Tuilleries, to thank him, in behalf 
of the nation, for the sacrifice he had made. 
" We found him," said general La Fayette to 
Lady Morgan, " upon this occasion, as upon many 
others, acting out of the ordinary rules of calcu- 
lation; neither affecting the pathetic dignity of 
fallen greatness, nor evincing the uncontrollable 
dejection of disappointed ambition, of hopes 
crushed, never to revive, and of splendour 
quenched, never to rekindle. We found him 
calm and serene: he received us with a faint, but 
gracious, smile, and spoke with firmness and pre^ 
cision."* 

* Boyce's France, ii, chapt. iv, passiT?:. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 481 

The nation being left without a government 
hy the abdication of Napoleon, the first care of 
the chambers was to appoint a committee who 
should provisionally assume the chief command. 
This crude government lasted only a few days. 
Its principal measure was sending a deputation 
to the allied powers to treat for peace, at the head 
of which was La Fayette. The five commis- 
sioners repaired to the head-quarters of Blucher, 
whose army had advanced one day's march be- 
fore that of the duke of Wellington, and request- 
ed a suspension of arms while they proceeded 
to the head-quarters of the allies with pacific 
overtures. To this the Prussian general gave a 
peremptory refusal: he would not agree to an 
armistice for a single hour. Within the walls of 
Paris alone would he listen to overtures of peace. 
He Would explain nothing; he would listen to 
nothing short of unconditional submission and 
the possession of Paris. Their passports he 
could not refuse, and after much unpleasant al- 
tercation, they proceeded to Haguenau, where 
the allied sovereigns had now arrived. They 
were received with much apparent deference, 
and the conferences immediately commenced. 
When the French plenipotentiaries declared that 
Napoleon had abdicated his throne, they were 
interrupted by the demand of the British minis- 
ter, that he should be deUvered unconditionally 

3p 



48^2 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

into the power of the allies. This proposition 
excited the utmost astonishment and indignation; 
and La Fayette immediately replied, that Napo- 
leon having voluntarily abdicated, that he might 
be no obstacle to the w^elfare of France, his per- 
son was under the protection of the national 
gratitude and honour, and that when it was pro- 
posed to the French people to commit an act of 
unexampled treachery, he did not expect that a 
prisoner of Olmutz would be selected as the fit- 
test medium for its execution. — ^The demand was 
Immediately waved. 

The allied monarchs did not intend to enter 
into any negociations, nor explain their real in- 
tentions, which were to restore the Bourbons. 
They, therefore, delayed the conferences on the 
most absurd and frivolous pretexts. After three 
conferences, the commissioners departed, per- 
fectly unacquainted with the demands of the al- 
lies, but having received an assurance, as false as 
it was positive, that " the foreign courts made no 
pretensions to interfere with the form of the 
French government." When they arrived at 
Paris, La Fayette found, to his great regret, that 
the city had capitulated, and that Wellington and 
Blucher were about to enter the capital. Paris 
surrendered on the third of July, 1815; and 
what remained of the representative government, 
which Bonaparte had created for his own purpo- 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 4g3 

ses, but which La Fayette had turned against him, 
was soon afterwards dissolved. On the sixth 
July, he spoke to the assembly of the confe- 
rences of Haguenau, and of the patriotic senti- 
ments of the departments through which he had 
passed. On the morning of the eighth of July, 
the doors of the assembly were found guarded 
and closed. Although the deputies had neither 
the power nor inclination to resist this arbitrary 
act, they had too much spirit and patriotism to 
separate without solemnly protesting against its 
injustice. La Fayette received a great number 
at his own house, and proceeded with them to 
the president's, when, more than a hundred 
members having signed the proces-verbal, they 
retired quietly to their homes.* 

La Fayette went immediately to La Grange, 
from which, in fact, he had been only a month 
absent, and resumed his agricultural employ- 
ments. There, in the midst of a family of above 
twenty children and grandchildren, who all look- 
ed up to him as their patriarchal chief, he lived 
in simple and sincere happiness, and in complete 
retirement, until the year 1817, when he was 
elected a deputy from La Sarthe, although op- 
posed by the whole influence of the government. 
He was a conspicuous member of the chamber, 
and in all his votes has shown himself constant 

* Boyce's France, ii, chap, v, passim, p. 262 — 267, 343, 



484 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE» 

to his ancient principles. When the ministry 
proposed to establish a censorship of the pressj 
he resisted them in an able speech; but La Fay- 
ette was nevei' a factious man, and, therefore, he 
has never made any further opposition to the 
present order of things in France, than his con- 
science and his official place required. That he 
does not approve the present constitution of the 
monarchy, his votes as a deputy, and his whole 
life, plainly show; and that his steady and tem- 
perate opposition is matter of serious anxiety to 
the family now on the throne, is apparent, from 
their conduct towards Iiim during the last ten 
years, and their management of the public press 
since he has been in this country. In fact, the 
course which he has pursued, not only since the 
restoration of the Bourbons, but during the reign 
of Napoleon, ought to be viewed by the citizens 
of this republic, as a motive for fresh esteem and 
gratitude. He has uniformly acted, in regard to 
the arbitrary maxims and measures of the impe- 
rial and royal administrations, like one who 
deemed the voluntary allegiance which he had 
paid in his youth to the principles of freedom, 
as perpetually obligatory, and paramount to all 
considerations of personal interest and security, 
at any period or in any situation. In the cham- 
ber of deputies, under the existing government 
of France, he always stood forth the champion 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 485 

of constitutional and natural rights, and the ad- 
versary of despotic doctrine and rule, with a firm- 
ness, serenity, and dignity, which must have final- 
ly extorted the admiration even of the ultras, 
who so often sought to force him down by cla- 
mour and menaces. He came to this country a 
liberal by generous instinct and enlightened rea~ 
son;— he has remained so through all vicissitudes 
and dangers. He has never deserted the banners 
under which he first contended; he has done ho- 
nour to the political school in which he was form- 
ed, by proving that the true disciple can never be 
an apostate nor a prevaricator. It is enough to 
say, that he is eminently obnoxious to the govern- 
ments of France, Austria, and Prussia;— he is 
odious to them and to the Russians, as the vete- 
ran and inflexible apostle of that creed which they 
most dread, and are most anxious to suppress; 
— he is the worst of liberals in their eyes; a pa- 
trician by birth, the subject of a monarchy, who 
deserted to republicanism at the first opportunity; 
who would never afterwards bend the knee to 
absolute power, and whom they have been una- 
ble to crush, although he has raised his voice to 
all the globe against their doctrines and designs, 
and become the model and patriarch of consti- 
tutionalists.* 

* North American Review, January, 1825.— National Gazette, 
February 4, 1824. 



486 I^IPE OF ^^ FAYETTE. 

M. de La Fayette now withdrew himself en- 
tirely from political affairs, encircled by those he 
best loved, and conscious that he had done every 
thing for his country that his powers and oppor- 
tunities had allowed. Let us follow this " last of 
the Romans," for a moment, to his peaceful re- 
treat, and contemplate the man who had rode 
upon ruder storms, and dared greater dangers, 
than almost any other of the age, calmly and con- 
tentedly enjoying the substantial luxuries of do- 
mestic life. 

The chateau of La Grange lies in the fertile 
district of La Brie; so remote from any high 
road, so lonely, so wood-embosomed, that a spot 
more sequestered, more apparently distant from 
the bustling world, and all its scenes of conflict 
and activity, can scarcely be imagined.* It is 
situated about forty miles from Paris, amid pro- 
lific orchards and antiquated woods. The cha- 
teau is of singular construction, quadrangular, 
and ornamented by Moorish towers at each angle, 
which have no unpleasing effect. This estate, 
belonging to the fortune of his wife, and a small 
farm in Auvergne, were all that remained of his 
Wealth: he had lost every thing besides, in the 
madness of revolutionary confiscation. The 

* The account of La Grange and its inhabitants is compiled 
from Lady Morgan's France, Trotter's life of Fox, Memoirs of 
La FayettCj &c, &c. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 487 

building is ancient, (having been founded by 
Louis Le Gros,) and simply furnished: the wood 
which adjoins it, is beautiful, divided in the old 
style, by long green alleys, intersecting one 
another, and admirably adapted for a studious 
walk, or for reading, remote from noise. 

It was here that, in 1802, he received with 
tearful eyes, and joyful smiles, the celebrated 
British statesman who had so eloquently and pa- 
thetically pleaded his cause in the British parlia- 
ment. La Fayette had become acquainted with 
Mr. Fox at an early age, during a visit to Lon- 
don. There was too much congeniality in their 
souls not to produce an early and strong senti- 
ment of friendship. While the hero was promot- 
ing the cause of liberty in America, the states- 
man laboured, with equal zeal, in the British 
house of commons, to inspire an obstinate and 
unenlightened ministry with respect for the rights 
of humanity, and mercy for the suffering Ame- 
ricans. 

La Fayette resides on his estate in rural sim- 
plicity, and unostentatious hospitality; and there 
are few Americans who do not offer their re- 
spects to the benefactor of their country. No 
silly affectation — no studied welcome— no idle 
airs of ceremony, — are seen there. The benevo- 
lent countenances, and warm welcome, of a good 
and amiable family, are delightful to the hearts 



488 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

of those, who go to La Grange with the same 
feelings as the steps of the weary pilgrim ap- 
proach the shrine of sainted excellence. 

Modest, plain, and unassuming in his general 
deportment. La Fayette has ever been averse to 
parade and ostentation. Habited in his gray coat 
and round hat, with a cane in his hand, and ac- 
companied by his grandson, he would ramble 
over his farms, visiting his sheep-folds, his cow- 
stalls, and his dairies, and enjoying, with much 
relish, the avocations of agriculture. His manner 
to the peasantry, and to the workmen engaged 
in the various rustic offices of his domains, was 
extremely gracious, and he freely engaged in 
lively and familiar conversation with them. And 
this condescending kindness was repaid by bound- 
less affection, and respect amounting almost to 
veneration. In a plain, but spacious, room of the 
chateau, the peasantry of the neighbourhood, as- 
semble, (1816,) every Sunday evening, in win- 
ter, to dance to the merry sound of the violin, 
and are regaled with cakes, and eau-sucree. The 
general is usually, and his family are always, pre- 
sent at these rustic balls; the j^ounger members 
occasionally dancing among the tenantry. In the 
summer, this patriarchal re-union takes place in 
the park, where a space is cleared for the pur- 
pose, shaded by the lofty trees which encircle it. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 489 

Living in this simple manner, in the bosom of 
a tender and affectionate family, the general ex- 
hibits the bright example of a public man, con- 
tent with little, free from envious and angry feel- 
ings, and willing to hve in dignified silence, when 
he had not the power to do good. His benevo- 
lent features; his frank and warm manners, which 
make him almost adored in his family; and a 
placid contentedness, amounting to cheerfulness, 
altogether have an irresistible effect in gaining the 
affections and esteem of those admitted to his 
more intimate society. Not only true to his prin- 
ciples, and faithful to his country, but affectionate 
to his family, and kind to his friends, he is emi- 
nently worthy of being pronounced a good father, 
a good husband, a good citizen, a good patriot, 
and a good man. — As simple in their dress, as in 
their manner of living, it would be in vain to 
seek for splendid dresses, jewels, or any of the 
trappings of worldly vanity, at l-a Grange. " The 
jewels of the La Fayette family are those of the 
mother of the Gracchi." 

The benevolence, humanity, and generosity of 
La Fayette, might be illustrated by a multitude 
of examples, a selection from which will prove, 
that whether amid the turmoils of war, the per- 
plexities of politics, or the pleasures of retire- 
ment, he never forgot the duties of a man, or 
ceased to feel the impulse of a noble heart. We 

3 Q 



490 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

have already recorded his benefaction to the suf- 
ferers from fire in Boston, in 1787; his supplies 
of clothing and absolute necessaries, to the Ame- 
rican soldiers, at different periods; his humanity 
to the sick and the wounded; his kindness to in- 
digent or distressed xlmericans, in France, ^c. ^c. 
A few anecdotes of the same nature, will serve 
to exalt his character.— Towards the close of the 
year 1777, or beginning of 1778, La Fayette ar- 
rived at the camp near Albany, at the very mo- 
ment when one Butler, a captain in the British 
army, was about to be executed, by the command 
of Arnold. He instantly arrested the punishment, 
in order to examine into the case. The man was 
undoubtedly guilty, but the young general took 
advantage of some informality in the proceed- 
ings, and the deliverance of Butler was the first 
act of his command.* — At a time when his libe- 
rality had so reduced his funds, that he was ob- 
liged to write to France to procure supplies, he, 
one day, while inspecting the camp, perceived a 
man miserably dressed, seated at the foot of a 
tree, his face covered with his hands, and elbows 
resting on his knees, so profoundly immersed in 
melancholy, that he did not perceive the ap- 
proach of the general: La Fayette stopped some 
minutes to observe him, and hearing him sigh, 
inquired the cause of his grief, with a tone of 

* Mem. Hist. p. 128-9. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 491 

voice and sweetness peculiar to himself. The man 
informed him that he had recently joined the 
army, and had left a young wife, and two little 
children, who depended entirely on his industry 
for their support, and that the forlorn condition 
of his family did not allow him a moment's 
peace. The general inquired his address, and 
told him not to distress himself, as he would pro- 
vide for his family. It is hardly necessary to 
add, that this promise was faithfully kept.* — Ear- 
ly in the year 1780, a young native of Irelandf 
was compelled to leave Ireland, in consequence 
of his patriotic zeal in favour of the freedom and 
independence of his countryj and he retired to 
Paris, where he met with general de La Fayette. 
At that time, an invasion of Ireland from France, 
was the topic of conversation in the military and 
political circles of the French capital. La Fayette 
made many inquiries of the young Irishman, 
concerning the state of Ireland^ and they sepa- 
rated for the time. The patriotic exile of Erin 
subsequently returned to his country, established 
a newspaper, was dragged before the Irish house 
of commons, for his ardour in the cause of op- 
pressed Ireland, and ultimately felt himself com- 
pelled to immigrate to the United States, after un- 
dergoing a most vexatious and expensive prose- 

* Mem. of La Fayette, p. 24, 25. 

t Mathew Carey, Esq. now living in Philadelpliia. 



492 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ciition. — ^He arrived at Philadelphia, in the year 
±78% in company with a gentleman who had a 
letter of introduction to general Washington. 
This gentleman proceeded to Mount Vernon, 
where he found La Fayette. In the course of 
conversation, the latter inquired about his young 
Irish acquaintance, whose examination before the 
house of commons had been published in the 
American papers. He was then informed that 
the persecuted Irishman had arrived in Philadel- 
phia. A few days afterwards, La Fayette visited 
that city, and sent for the gentleman for whom 
he had evinced so much solicitude. An interview 
took place. The general asked many questions, 
and, among others, what his young friend intend- 
ed to do in this country? He rephed that, as soon 
as he received funds from Ireland, it was his in- 
tention to establish a newspaper. The next morn- 
ing, the Irish gentleman received a polite note 
from La Fayette, enclosing fom^ hundred dollars, 
in notes of the bank of North America, without 
any explanation of its object. The grateful stran- 
ger hastened to the lodgings of the general, to 
express his feelings on the occasion; but the be- 
nevolent hero had taken his departure from the 
city, on his way to New York, to embark for Eu- 
rope — With the money thus received, a paper 
was forthwith established; and, after years of la- 
borious, honourable, and patriotic, exertions, the 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 493 

Irish gentleman, who, from adverse events in Ire- 
land, never received the expected remittances 
from that country, has attained a degree of respec- 
tability, wealth, and eminence, no less useful to 
the public, than creditable to himself.-^Comment 
on an act so opportunely beneficent, proceeding 
from motives so purely philanthropic, so evin- 
cive of his ardent attachment to liberty and to its 
friends throughout the world, and so*productive 
of valuable private and pubhc advantages, would 
be entirely superfluous: the facts will touch the 
heart of every man of sensibiUty, and shed ad- 
ditional lustre on the pure and exalted character 
of the " friend of Washington, of America, and 
mankind."* — At Green Spring, Virginia, La Fay- 
ette dashed into tlie fire of Cornwallis' infantry, 
and met with captain Doyle, of the third Penn- 
sylvania regiment, wounded in the leg, and lean- 
ing against a tree. The general ordered his ser- 
vant to dismount, and dismounting himself, placed 
Doyle on his attendant's horse. While he was 
assisting him to mount, the wounded officer re- 
ceived a musket ball in his left shoulder. But the 
gallant La Fayette did not leave him until he saw 
him in a place of safety, and thus saved the life 

* It is a remarkable circumstance, that after a separation of 
nearly half a century, the actors in this scene again met on the 
spot where it was first "opened by the well-timed munificence of 
La Fayette; and that, with singular keeping, it was closed by the 
voluntary and honourable repayment of the gift. 



494 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

of one of the bravest captains of the Pennsylva- 
nia line.* — During the French revolution, when 
the commune of Paris insisted on his acceptance 
of his emoluments as commander-in-chief of the 
national guard, which he refused to accept, he 
used to them the following language: " If I re- 
quired pecuniary assistance, I would have de- 
manded it: but, at this time, when the sufferings 
of our citizens, and the necessary expenditures, 
are so great, I cannot consent to increase them. 
My fortune is sufficient for the station which I 
hold."t — In the begfnning of 1833, soon after 
the revolution in Piedmont, many distinguished 
Italians, threatened with the vengeance of the 
Sardinian government, fled into France. Louis 
XVIII, being cousin to the king of Sardinia, form- 
ed the dastardly project of apprehending, and 
punishing these poor refugees. One of them ap- 
plied to La Fayette for protection, who requested 
an American gentleman to take the Itahan out of 
France with him, as a servant. The exile was 
soon included in the passport under a feigned 
name, and they were on the point of setting out 
for Havre, when information was received that 
the Eourbon government had altered their inten- 
tions, and would no longer molest the refugees 
from Piedmont. — When La Fayette embarked for 

* Allen M'Lane's Journal. t Mem. Hist. 183. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 495 

America, in 1777, he possessed an income of one 
hundred and forty-six thousand francs, or about 
twenty-eight thousand seven hundred dollars. 
During the six years, from 1777, to 1 783, he 
expended in the American service, of his private 
fortune, seven hundred thousand francs, equal to 
one hundred and forty thousand dollars!* — We 
conclude these anecdotes, with an incident which 
presents his character in the most delightful point 
of view: — In March, 1803, congress made a grant 
of eleven thousand five hundred and twenty acres 
of land to general La Fayette. In the year follow- 
ing, he was authorised to locate his warrant on any 
vacant land in the territory of Orleans; and, on the 
seventh April, 1806, his agent in this country did 
locate a tract of one thousand acres vacant land, 
adjoining the city of New Orleans. On the third 
March, 1807, congress, without adverting to this 
location in behalf of the general, and indeed, 
wholly unconscious of the fact that it had been 
made, granted to the corporation of the city of 
New Orleans, a space of six hundred yards 
around the fortifications of the city, including a 
valuable portion of the very land which had been 
previously entered by La Fayette. He was im- 
mediately informed of the fact. It was stated to 
him that his right to this land was unquestionable, 
and the legal opinion of an eminent lawyer and 

* Colonel Hayne's Speech in Congress, December 20, 1824. 



496 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

jurist was forwarded to him, with the assurance 
that, in a contest with the city of New OrleanSj 
he must succeed. The value of the land had 
been discovered, and fifty thousand dollars could, 
even then, have been obtained for the general's 
title to it. But what was the conduct of La Fay- 
ette, on being informed of these facts? He, 
promptly and without hesitation, communicated 
to his agent, " that he would not consent even 
to inquire into the validity of his title; that he 
could not think of entering into htigation with 
any pubhc body in the United States; that the 
property had been gratuitously bestowed upon 
him by the United States, and it was with them 
to say what had been given;" and he accompanied 
these declarations with a positive direction to his 
agent to relinquish his entry, and to make a loca- 
tion elsewhere. This was done, and the land 
substituted for that which was lost, is of very in- 
considerable value; while on a portion of that 
which was so generously relinquished, now stands 
a valuable part of the city of New Orleans, valued, 
according to correct estimates, at from four to 
five hundred thousand dollars.'^ 

On the twenty -fourth of December, 1807, La 
Fayette experienced a blow which it required all 
his religion and philosophy to support. His wife, 

* Colonel Hayne's (of S. Carolina,) Speech in Congress^ De- 
cember 20, 1824. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 497 

' — his best friend, his faithful and heroic compa- 
nion; adorned with every virtue; pious, modest, 
generous, and faithful; affectionate yet firm, and 
gentle, yet resolved, — the long-tried wife of his 
bosom, at length sunk under her misfortunes, and 
was torn from the arms of her husband at an age 
when she might have expected many years of 
happiness in store. But the dastardly ferocity 
of tyrants brought to an untimely grave, in the 
forty-seventh year of her age, a woman who was 
once the soul of her numerous family, the sup^ 
port of the poor, the ornament of her country, 
and the honour of her sex. — She was, indeed, a 
superior and admirable woman, possessing the 
high polish of the ancient nobility, eloquent, and 
animated. In the society of a cherished husband, 
and affectionate children, she regretted nothing 
of past splendour, and was happy in retirement. 
— In her charming daughters, was found none of 
that insipid languor, or wretched affectation, 
which, in young women of fashion, so much de- 
stroys originality of character, and shows us, in 
one fashionable young lady, the prototype of ten 
thousand.* 

Their only son, George Washington La Fay- 
ette, served from the commencement of the war, 
in 1800, as one of the guides d'honneur to the 
guards of the first consul, and armed and equip- 

* Mem. La Fayette, p. 303-4.~Trottef's Life of Fox, p. ^.OS. 



498 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

ed himself at his own expense, and never con- 
sented to receive any pay. General Grouchy ap- 
pointed him his aid-de-camp, as he was extreme- 
ly intelligent, brave, active, and an officer of great 
merit. Bonaparte extended the resentment he 
bore the father to all attached to the family of La 
Fayette. But this unworthy treatment did not 
prevent George Washington from continuing his 
services, with great and distinguished activity, 
even when the emperor caused it to be insinuated 
to him that he ought to tender his resignation. 
At the battle of Eylau, he twice saved the life of 
general Grouchy. The latter made a briUiant 
report of his conduct, and requested a promotion 
for him and the legion of honour: the great and 
magnanimous Napoleon petulantly erased his 
name from the report, not even permitting it to 
appear in the bulletin! The young officer, never- 
theless, continued in service, and did not retire 
to La Grange, until after the ratification of peace 
at Tilsit. — In 1803, he married mademoiselle de 
Tracy, daughter of the count and senator of that 
name, a very engaging and interesting lady. They 
have five children, the eldest of which is a young 
woman of twenty years of age, the favourite of 
her grandfather. — In 1795, he was sent with his 
tutor to America, to avoid the horrors of French 
democracy. As soon as he was informed of his 
arrival in Boston, general Washington wrote to 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 499 

a friend, the honourable George Cabot, request- 
ing him to visit the young gentleman, and make 
him acquainted with the relations between this 
country and France, which would prevent the 
president of the United States from publicly es- 
pousing his interest; but " assure him," to use 
Washington's words, " of my standing in the 
place of, and becoming to him, a father^ friend^ 
protector, and supporter.''^ 

Mademoiselle Anastasie La Fayette, married 
Charles Latour Maubourg, the brother of her 
father's companion in misfortune. He united to 
a cold, yet agreeable, exterior, great sensibility 
and courage, with very little ambition. His fami- 
ly consists of four children, of whom two are 
married, and one of them has two children. — 
Mademoiselle Virginia La Fayette married M. de 
Lasteyrie, nephew of the celebrated agriculturist 
of that name. He served with his brother-in-law, 
George Washington, in the campaigns of Jena, 
Eylau, Friedland, ^c. where he greatly distin- 
guished himself The emperor, who knew that 
he was the son-in-law of La Fayette, gave him 
neither the cross of honour, nor any military ad- 
vancement; and always erased his name from the 
list of officers recommended for promotion.— 
This amiable and most interesting family seem 

* Mem. La Fayette, 280-1, 293.— Biog. Die. 591.— Trotter's 
Life Fox, 202. 



500 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

united by one bond of affection, and to desire noth- 
ing beyond the circle of their tranquil mansion: 
they constanly present for contemplation, the 
most perfect unity of family interests, habits, 
taste, and affections.* 

Blessed with the mens sana in corpoi^e sano,— 
in the full possession of every faculty and ta- 
lent he ever possessed, the memory of La Fay- 
ette has all the tenacity of unworn youthful re- 
collection. His conversation is brilliantly enrich- 
ed with anecdotes of all that is celebrated, in 
character and event, for the last fifty years. He 
speaks and writes English with the same fluency 
and ease as he does his native tongue; and has 
made himself master of all that is best worth 
knowing in Englisli literature and philosophy. 
He converses upon almost every subject worthy 
to engage the mind of a great and good man; 
sometimes in French, sometimes in English; al- 
ways with eloquence, fluency, and spirit. In his 
epistolary correspondence, he is every where 
bold and patriotic; and his letters are marked by 
the frankness and penetration of a noble and 
vigorous mind. His elegant, and well-chosen col- 
lection of books, occupies the highest apartment 
in one of the towers of the chateau. It is a cir- 
cular room, adorned with the busts of Washing- 

* Mem. La Fayette, 271, 293, 294. — Lady Morgan's France, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 501 

ton, Franklin, and other distinguished American 
patriots. Here, seated at his desk, he can see, 
on his left, his whole farm, and his stables, and 
on his right, the park, and a very large and ele- 
gant lawn, covered with luxuriant grass. Like the 
study of Montaigne, it hangs over the farm-yard 
of the philosophical agriculturist. " It frequently 
happens," said he to Lady Morgan, " that my 
merinos, and my hay-carts, dispute my attention 
with your Hume, or our own Voltaire."* 

The unbent and noble figure of La Fayette is 
still as upright, bold, and vigorous, as the mind 
that informs it. Grace, strength, and dignity, 
distinguish the fine person of this extraordinary 
man; who, though fifty years before the world, 
engaged in scenes of strange and eventful con- 
flict, does not yet appear to have passed his cli- 
macteric. Bustling and active in business, grace- 
ful and elegant in society, it is difficult to trace 
in one of the most successful agriculturists, and 
one of the most perfect fine gentlemen, a war- 
rior and a legislator But the patriot is always 

discernible. His manners are plain and unosten- 
tatious; his address kind and conciliating. Dur- 
ing the American revolution, his sedateness and 
gravity, and the simplicity of his manners, could 
not fail to attract attention. Conversing about 

* Morgan's France, r>33.--Fox's Life, 204.---Mem. Fayette, 
299. 



502 LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

him one day at the table of general Washington, 
Mrs. Washington remarked that all his dress was 
singularly plain, — that he never wore ruffles — 
and that he had nothing like show about him, 
except in the caparison of his horse. — He is now 
nearly sixty-eight years of age; his portly form, 
about five feet eleven inches high; his eyes, and 
eye-brows, prominent; but his fine forehead, par- 
tially concealed by a wig. His graceful and dig- 
nified manners soon put his company perfectly 
at their ease. Great mildness beams in his coun- 
tenance, which, in conversation, is brightened by 
a smile which carries with it evidence that it pro- 
ceeds from the heart. He is lame, from a frac- 
ture of the thigh bone in the year 1803, but not 
so much as materially to impede his progress. 
His dress is that of the plainest citizen. 

Such is La Fayette. His name has long been 
consecrated to fame; and his existence has been 
so intimately woven into the history of his coun- 
try, that her records and her chronicles must 
have mouldered into nothing, ere his renown 
shall be forgotten, or the memory of his deeds 
have faded into oblivion. His illustrious name 
will be venerated by posterity; for his virtues and 
his deeds have distinguished it in an age, " when 
extensive celebrity is no trifling possession; when 
the world appears to have conspired for the de- 
struction of mediocrity; and is agreed to repulse, 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 503 

with contempt, the ambitious pretenders that be- 
siege, on all sides, the temple of renown." 

La Fayette, desirous of again beholding the 
scenes of his youthful glory, having expressed 
Jiis intention of re-visiting this country, congress, 
on the fourth of February, 1824, " Resolved^ that 
whenever the president shall be informed of the 
time when the marquis may be ready to embark, 
a national ship, with suitable accommodations, be 
employed to bring him to the United States." 
The modest, unassuming, and consistent, patriot, 
declined the honour of going in a national vessel, 
preferring a passage in a private ship. On the 
twelfth of July, 1824, he embarked on board the 
packet ship Cadmus, and on the sixteenth of Au- 
gust, landed at New York, when first arose the 
sound of that universal acclamation, which has 
since been echoed from the Cordilleras and the 
Andes. 

Republics have been charged with ingratitude, 
and Europeans, ignorant of the whole structure 
of our government, and the course of our policy, 
have supposed that the charge is justified by our 
own example. But when it shall become fully 
known abroad how the United States have, on all 
occasions, acted towards general de La Fayette; 
when it shall be understood that, in addition to 
other proofs of our gratitude,* we approach him 

'■■' On the twenty-eighth of December, 18^24, an act was passed 



504 I^IFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

in his old age with the expressions of our affec- 
tionate attachment, it may perhaps be acknow- 
ledged that there can be no better inheritance 
than the gratitude of a free people. 

To conclude in the language of a celebrated 
writer,* it may, indeed, be said, that La Fayette, 
himself, enjoys a singular distinction: for it is a 
strange thing in the providence of God, one that 
never happened before, and will, probably, never 
happen again, that an individual from ^ remote 
quarter of the world, having assisted to lay the 
foundation of a great nation, should be permitted 
thus to visit the posterity of those he served, and 
witness, on a scale so vast, the work of his own 
sacrifices; the result of grand principles in govern- 
ment, for which he contended before their prac- 
tical effect had been tried; the growth and matu- 
rity of institutions which he assisted to establish, 
when their operation could be calculated only by 
the widest and most clear sighted circumspection. 

by congress, directing the secretary of the treasury to pay to ge- 
neral La Fayette, in consideration of his services and sacrifices 
in the war of the revolution, the sum of two hundred thousand 
dollars; and also granting to him and his heirs, one township of 
land, to be laid out and located under the authority of the presi- 
dent, in any of the unappropriated lands of the United States. — 
By this act, the representatives of the American people have con- 
ferred a lasting benefit on their country; they have performed a 
great moral duty; and they have substantially proved to the world 
that republics are not always ungrateful. 
* North American Review, January, 1825. 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 505 

We rejoice in it, for it is, we doubt not, the most 
gratifying and appropriate reward that could be 
offered to a spirit like his. In the beautiful phrase 
which Tacitus has applied to Gerraanicus, fruitur 
fama; for he must be aware, that the ocean which 
rolls between us and Europe, operates like the 
grave on all feelings of passion and party, and that 
the voice of gratitude and admiration, which now 
rises to greet him, from every city, every village, 
and every*)4ieart, of this wide land, is as pure and 
sincere as the voice of posterity. 



THE END. 



S S 



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^O'-Av 



